What is Separation Anxiety?

Separation Anxiety is an anxiety disorder where a person fears losing someone they love or are very fond of. In this condition, one feels lonely because they fear separating from a specific attached figure (a person, place or an animal).

Separation Anxiety usually occurs in kids, such as three-year-olds, but there are chances that adults may also be affected by it. Separation anxiety that develops in childhood can transform into Separation Anxiety Disorder by early preschool age. If you notice your child's anxiety affects their school or daily routines and they frequently experience panic attacks, they may be dealing with Separation Anxiety Disorder. 

What causes Separation Anxiety

Separation Anxiety can occur because of two reasons. Past incidents or separation from a loved one can trigger it, or it occurs when there is an imbalance of norepinephrine and serotonin, two chemicals in the brain. 

Symptoms of Separation Anxiety

Separation Anxiety is associated with panic disorder and panic attacks. People with this condition usually suffer from repeated episodes of sudden intense anxiety and fear. A person suffering from Separation Anxiety may have the following symptoms. 

• They may constantly feel distressed when they are usually away from their family and loved ones. 
• Constant or excessive worry about losing a parent or a loved one to an illness or any other cause. 
• Constantly worried they may get lost, kidnapped, or separated from their loved ones.  
• They constantly refuse to stay away from home and want to stay close to their loved ones.
• If they stay at home, they prefer having their family with them, rather than staying alone. 
• Reluctant to sleep away from their home, their parents and loved ones. 
• People suffering from this condition constantly have nightmares of separating from their loved ones. 
• When they feel they might be separated from their parents or a loved one, they may constantly complain about headaches, stomachaches or other symptoms. 

These are some prominent symptoms you can witness in an individual suffering from Separation Anxiety. 

How can Separation Anxiety affect your lifestyle?

Separation Anxiety is a serious condition as it can immensely affect our lifestyle. This condition can hinder your work life, school life and social life. Separation Anxiety may also cause various other conditions in an individual if not addressed on time. Some of the conditions arising due to Separation Anxiety may include:

• Depression
• Extreme Worry
• Sleep Problems
• Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) or Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) are other conditions that can come with this. 
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) 

Diagnosis and Treatment

Separation Anxiety may start right from childhood, but if the treatment is delayed, it may lead to conditions like panic attacks. 

• When your child starts showing any of the symptoms, make sure that you immediately consult a specialist. 
• It is advisable to consult with a medical professional and initiate treatment promptly because early diagnoses and treatment can help to reduce the symptoms. 
• Once you have started the treatment, stick to the treatment plan because it can help you prevent relapse or worsen the condition. 
• This condition is treated with psychotherapy with some medications, and the therapy that counsellors mostly go for is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). 
• Through this therapy, the counsellors ensure that the patient learns how to cope with his fears of separation and uncertainty.