Separation Anxiety Disorder

It is normal for very young children between the ages of 7 and 15 months old to experience separation anxiety.  Often times kids go through a phase when they are scared nervous of unfamiliar people and places.  Anytime a child has the fear it can be excessive and if it last longer than four weeks the child may have separation anxiety disorder.  Separation anxiety disorder is a condition in which a child becomes alarmed or frightened when away from home or separated from a parent or love one. This fear may interfere with the child’s normal activities, such as going to school or playing with other children.

Symptoms Of Separation Anxiety Disorder

  • An unrealistic and lasting worry that something bad will happen to the parent or caregiver if the child leaves
  • Repeated complaints of physical symptoms (such as headaches, stomachaches, nausea, or vomiting) when separation from major attachment figures occurs or is anticipated
  • Refusal to go to school in order to stay with the caregiver
  • Refusal to go to sleep without the caregiver being nearby or to sleep away from home
  • Fear of being alone
  • Repeated nightmares involving the theme of separation
  • Bed wetting
  • Repeated temper tantrums or pleading
  • Recurrent excessive distress when separation from home or major attachment figures occurs or is anticipated
"Don't forget a person's greatest emotional need is to feel appreciated."

-Unknown

Helpful Resources For Anxiety Disorder

Separation Anxiety. Describes typical phase of separation anxiety in infants and young children.
Anxiety and Children. Provides an overview of separation anxiety disorder, symptoms and treatment options. (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry)
Separation Anxiety. Offers practical suggestions for parents dealing with separation anxiety disorder, as well as books to read to children.