About Separation Anxiety Disorder in Adults
Separation anxiety disorder in adults refers to a condition where individuals experience extreme anxiety and fear when they are separated from a specific attachment figure, such as a person, place, or even an animal. This disorder is more commonly seen in children but can also occur in adults.
The symptoms of separation anxiety disorder in adults may include excessive distress before and during separation, excessive worry about losing the attachment figure, reluctance to leave the separation figure, persistent fear of being alone, and recurring physical symptoms like nausea and headaches.
Separation anxiety disorder can cause significant distress and impact social, occupational, or academic functioning. It is important to seek professional help for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.
Separation anxiety disorder in adults can have various pathophysiologic causes and non-modifiable and modifiable risk factors.
Pathophysiologic causes of separation anxiety disorder in adults:
- Loss of an attachment figure: This can occur due to moving away or being separated from a loved one, even for a short period.
- Underlying mental health conditions: Adults with separation anxiety disorder may also have other mental health conditions, such as anxiety disorders or autism.
Non-modifiable risk factors of separation anxiety disorder in adults cannot be changed or controlled. These include:
- History of childhood traumatic events: Experiencing abuse or other traumatic events during childhood can increase the risk of developing separation anxiety disorder in adulthood.
- Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs): Growing up in a dysfunctional family environment or experiencing other forms of trauma during childhood can contribute to the development of separation anxiety disorder in adults.
- Sex and age: Females between the ages of 18-59 are more likely to experience separation anxiety disorder.
Modifiable risk factors of separation anxiety disorder in adults can be influenced or changed. These include:
- High levels of stress: Stress within the family, such as parental conflict or divorce, can increase the risk of developing separation anxiety disorder.
- Significant life changes: Moving away from a family or support structure can be a contributing factor to separation anxiety disorder.
- Maladaptive family functioning: Problems within the family can play a role in the development of separation anxiety disorder.
It's important to note that these factors are not definitive causes but rather potential contributors to the development of separation anxiety disorder. It's always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.
The most common early symptoms of separation anxiety disorder in adults include:
- High levels of anxiety and panic attacks when loved ones are out of reach
- Social withdrawal and extreme sadness when away from loved ones
- Difficulty concentrating when separated from loved ones
- Unfounded fears of abduction or fatal injury to loved ones or oneself
- Hesitancy or refusal to leave the proximity of loved ones
- Difficulty sleeping away from a loved one due to fear of something happening to them
As the disorder progresses or becomes more severe, other common symptoms may include:
- Strict and over-involved parenting in parents with the disorder
- Overbearing behavior in relationships
- Physical symptoms such as aches, pains, headaches, and diarrhea associated with anxiety
- Depression or anxiety attacks related to separation anxiety
It's important to note that these symptoms must impair functioning and continue for at least six months for a diagnosis of adult separation anxiety disorder. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
If you or someone you know are struggling or in crisis with anxiety, depression or suicidal thoughts, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org/chat to connect with trained crisis counselors.
To diagnose separation anxiety disorder in adults, doctors typically perform the following examinations, tests, and procedures:
- Medical interview: A doctor will ask about the symptoms you are experiencing and gather information about your medical history.
- Diagnostic criteria: Mental health experts use criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to make a diagnosis of separation anxiety disorder in adults. This involves assessing if you meet the specific criteria for the disorder.
To determine the stage or severity of separation anxiety disorder in adults, additional examinations, tests, and procedures may include:
- Self-report measures: Doctors may use self-report questionnaires like the Adult Separation Anxiety Questionnaire (ASA-27) to assess the severity of separation anxiety symptoms experienced by adults.
- Diagnostic interviews: In some cases, diagnostic interviews may be conducted to gather more detailed information about your symptoms and their impact on your daily life.
- Evaluation of social functioning: Doctors may assess how separation anxiety affects your social interactions, occupational functioning (how well you do your job), and responsibilities.
It's important to consult with a mental health professional who can provide a comprehensive evaluation and determine the most appropriate examinations, tests, and procedures for your individual situation.
The goals of treatment for separation anxiety disorder in adults are to reduce symptoms, improve coping strategies, and enhance overall functioning. Here are the recommended treatments and how they work to achieve these goals:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a first-line treatment that helps challenge negative thoughts and teaches better ways to cope. It involves talking about fears and figuring out if they are realistic. CBT helps individuals identify and change unhelpful patterns of thinking, reducing symptoms and improving overall well-being.
- Medications: Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may be prescribed if symptoms persist despite CBT. SSRIs help regulate serotonin levels in the brain, which can alleviate anxiety symptoms.
- Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT): PCIT focuses on improving the parent-child relationship and teaching parents healthier ways to interact with their children. By enhancing the family dynamic, it can contribute to reducing separation anxiety symptoms in children.
- Support Groups: Joining a support group for anxiety and separation anxiety can provide additional help in learning techniques for reducing anxiety related to separation. Sharing experiences with others who understand can offer valuable support and coping strategies.
It's important to note that treatment effectiveness may vary for each individual, and a combination of therapies or medication may be necessary. Consulting with a healthcare professional will help determine the most suitable treatment approach for each person's specific needs.
Medication dosing may be affected by many factors. Check with your health care professional about dosing for your individual situation. Other side effects can occur. Check with your health care professional or read the information provided with your medication for additional side effect information.