separation anxiety disorder
Dreaded departure distress
Separation anxiety disorder is a mental health condition characterized by excessive fear or distress when separated from attachment figures, typically parents or caregivers.
While some separation anxiety is normal in young children, the disorder involves anxiety that is developmentally inappropriate, persistent, and interferes with daily functioning.
Symptoms may include refusal to leave home, nightmares about separation, or physical complaints when separation is anticipated.
Though most common in childhood, it can persist into or first appear in adulthood.
Excessive need for closeness
- school refusalAnxiety-driven attendance problem
- tantrumsOutbursts of childish anger
- nightmaresTerrifying sleep experiences
- bedwettingInvoluntary urination during sleep
sobbing · homesickness · inconsolable · panic attacks · stomachaches · headaches · nausea · sleep disturbance
Uncontrollable sudden fear
- dreadIntense anticipatory fear
- apprehensionNervous anticipation of trouble
- fearEmotional response to threat
- worryTroubled mental state
distress · anguish · terror · unease · nervousness · agitation · restlessness · hypervigilance
Treatment restructuring harmful thought patterns
- exposure therapyAnxiety treatment through confrontation
- psychotherapyTreatment through guided conversation
- play therapyPsychotherapy using games
- family therapyTreatment involving related members
psychiatrist · psychologist · counseling · medication · SSRIs · desensitization · coping strategies · relaxation techniques
One providing daily assistance
- secure baseReliable attachment figure
- safe havenProtected place of shelter
- bondingForming close connections
- attachment theoryStudy of emotional bonds
emotional security · primary caregiver · transitional object · security blanket · paternal bond
Very young children
- preschoolersChildren aged three to five
- developmental stagePeriod of maturation
- age-appropriateSuited to one's maturity
- milestonesNotable points of progress
clinginess
Excessive need for closeness
- school refusalAnxiety-driven attendance problem
- tantrumsOutbursts of childish anger
- nightmaresTerrifying sleep experiences
bedwetting · sobbing · homesickness · inconsolable · panic attacks · stomachaches · headaches · nausea · sleep disturbance · shadowing
panic
Uncontrollable sudden fear
- dreadIntense anticipatory fear
- apprehensionNervous anticipation of trouble
- fearEmotional response to threat
worry · distress · anguish · terror · unease · nervousness · agitation · restlessness · hypervigilance · overwhelm
cognitive-behavioral therapy
Treatment restructuring harmful thought patterns
- exposure therapyAnxiety treatment through confrontation
- psychotherapyTreatment through guided conversation
- play therapyPsychotherapy using games
family therapy · psychiatrist · psychologist · counseling · medication · SSRIs · desensitization · coping strategies · relaxation techniques · parent training
caregiver
One providing daily assistance
- secure baseReliable attachment figure
- safe havenProtected place of shelter
- bondingForming close connections
attachment theory · emotional security · primary caregiver · transitional object · security blanket · paternal bond
toddlers
Very young children
- preschoolersChildren aged three to five
- developmental stagePeriod of maturation
- age-appropriateSuited to one's maturity
separation anxiety disorderavoidant attachment
Relational pattern fearing intimacy
emotional detachment · emotional unavailability · social withdrawal
separation anxiety disordersecure attachment
Reliable caregiver-child emotional bond
emotional resilience · emotional security · psychological well-being · homesickness
separation, anxiety, disorder, separate, separated, separating, separates, separator, separable