Separation anxiety disorder is an anxiety disorder in which an individual experiences intense stress and fear at the thought or experience of separation from the person to whom they are attached. This condition, which usually begins in childhood, occurs when the attachment person (mother, father or a close family member) moves away and can negatively affect quality of life. Separation anxiety is a condition that is not appropriate for the developmental process and affects the daily functioning of the person. Individuals with this disorder feel significant discomfort and fear when faced with the thought of separation.
Separation Anxiety Disorder is a treatable condition and can be managed through methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy, emotional release therapy and medication.
Separation Anxiety Disorder Symptoms
Separation anxiety disorder symptoms are associated with the thought or experience of separation from the person to whom the individual is attached. These symptoms may include:
Intense Stress and Fear: The individual feels intense stress and fear when thinking about or experiencing separation from their attachment.
Anxious Thoughts: The individual often thinks about negative situations that may happen to the attachment person and feels excessive anxiety about it.
Fear of Abduction, Illness: The person often thinks about the possibility of being kidnapped, getting sick or having an accident related to the separation and experiences intense anxiety about it.
Refusal and Reluctance: He/she constantly refuses or is reluctant to leave the house, go to school or work.
Fear of Loneliness: Experiences a constant and intense fear of being alone or away from the person they are attached to.
Sleep Problems: Refuses or is reluctant to sleep apart from the person they are attached to.
Separation-themed Nightmares: Frequently observes nightmares about separation.
Physical Symptoms: May show physical symptoms such as headache, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting in case of separation.
What Causes Separation Anxiety Disorder?
The causes of separation anxiety disorder can be based on a variety of factors that interact in a complex way. Here are some possible causes that may play a role in the development of this disorder:
Early Childhood Experiences: Traumatic events in early childhood, insecure attachment, separation or abandonment experiences.
Genetic Factors: Individuals in the family who have difficulty coping with similar situations may be more likely to have this disorder.
Family Relationships: Factors such as uncertainty in family relationships, conflict, constantly changing attachment figures or overdependence.
Traumatic Experiences: Traumatic events, losses or abandonment may increase the fear of separation.
Individual Developmental Periods: In certain age periods, especially in childhood and adolescence, the process of gaining independence and living separately can trigger symptoms of separation anxiety disorder.
Diagnostic Criteria for Separation Anxiety Disorder
Separation anxiety disorder is assessed according to DSM-5 criteria. The thought or experience of separation should cause intense and disproportionate anxiety. This anxiety negatively affects daily life, causing the person to feel a constant need for attachment and a lack of trust in others.
Separation anxiety can interfere with the maintenance of daily activities and cause physical symptoms. The diagnostic process involves a detailed assessment by a specialist and each individual's case requires a personalized approach.
Separation Anxiety Disorder Treatment
Treatment for separation anxiety disorder is usually based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT focuses on helping the individual understand their thought patterns and behaviors, change these patterns and control their emotional reactions. The therapist helps the individual explore the thoughts and feelings associated with separation anxiety, guides them to identify negative thought patterns and supports them to shift to a healthier perspective.
During the therapy process, it is aimed to understand the emotional attachment patterns experienced by the individual and to change these patterns. In addition, the individual is encouraged to develop strategies to reduce their level of anxiety. The therapist guides the individual to increase their coping skills with separation anxiety and helps them develop healthy attachment skills.
Medication may also be considered in the treatment process. Antidepressant or anxiolytic medication can help relieve symptoms of separation anxiety. However, medication should always be considered in conjunction with therapy and guided by a qualified health professional.