Separation Anxiety

Abstract

Separation anxiety is a childhood anxiety disorder that is characterized by excessive anxiety (fear, worry) concerning separation from a major attachment figure and/or home. Although clinical reports of this syndrome have appeared in the literature for decades, it was not until the publication of DSM-III in 1980 that the disorder was included in the DSM classification system. Nine criteria are included for the diagnostic category, three of which must be met for at least a 2-week period to receive the diagnosis: (1) unrealistic worry about possible harm befalling major attachment figures or fear that they will leave and not return, (2) unrealistic worry that an untoward calamitous event will separate the child from a major attachment figure (e.g., the child will be lost, kidnapped, killed), (3) persistent reluctance or refusal to go to school in order to stay with major attachment figures or at home, (4) persistent reluctance or refusal to go to sleep without being next to a major attachment figure or to go to sleep away from home, (5) persistent avoidance of being alone in the home and emotional upset if unable to follow the major attachment figure around the home, (6) repeated nightmares involving the theme of separation, (7) complaints of physical symptoms on school days (e.g., stomachaches, headaches, nausea), (8) signs of excessive distress upon separation, or when anticipating separation, from major attachment figures (e.g., crying, temper tantrums), and (9) social withdrawal, apathy, sadness, or difficulty concentrating on work or play when not with a major attachment figure (APA, 1980, p. 53).