Separation anxiety disorder
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Separation anxiety disorder (or simply separation anxiety) is a psychological condition in which an individual has excessive anxiety regarding separation from home or from people to whom the individual has a strong emotional attachment (like a mother). Even though present in all age groups, adult separation anxiety is much less common than childhood separation anxiety and usually only manifests itself as a symptom of a bigger issue [1]. Separation anxiety is often characterized by some of the following symptoms:
- Recurring distress when separated from the subject of attachment (such as the mother or home)
- Persistent, excessive worrying about losing the subject of attachment
- Persistent, excessive worrying that some event will lead to separation from a major attachment
- Excessive fear about being alone without subject of attachment
- Persistent reluctance or refusal to go to sleep without being near a major attachment figure, like a mother
- Recurrent nightmares about separation
Often, separation anxiety is a symptom of a co-morbid condition. Studies show that children suffering from separation anxiety are much more likely to have ADHD, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, and others later in life. [2]
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