Separation Anxiety Disorder

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Separation Anxiety Disorder involves excessive anxiety lasting at least four weeks in response to separation from home or an attachment figure. It is often accompanied with somatic complaints (nausea, dizziness, etc.) when separation is anticipated. Fantasies of danger and accidents befalling the attachment figure are often present. School phobia is sometimes a symptom as well and is usually accompanied with physical complaints, such as headache, stomachache, and nausea.

Treatment often involves various cognitive and behavioral techniques including both the child, family and sometimes the child’s school. Medication is sometimes also a component of treatment.

The following websites provide more information on Separation Anxiety Disorder and other childhood and adult anxiety disorders:

Check out these articles:
Anxiety BC
The Child Anxiety Network