Separation Anxiety In Adults

When you hear the term “separation anxiety,” you are probably thinking of children. Separation anxiety in adults, however, is far from an unknown concept.

Separation anxiety is when an individual is afraid to differentiate from a person, an animal, or even an object. As you might imagine, separation anxiety manifests itself in all cases after separation. Possible symptoms range from nausea and headaches and even to sore throats.

Separation anxiety often occurs in children, especially in the first years of life. Children are still unable to understand that when their parents leave, they still exist and will still be in their lives.

It may seem strange that adults suffer from this disorder, given that they understand that people can leave them and come back. However, their anxiety stems from the uncertainty of when they will see that person, place, or object again. This insecurity can be particularly intense in certain situations, such as a soldier being sent to a particularly violent place.

Symptoms of separation anxiety in adults

The most obvious characteristic of separation anxiety in adults is excessive worry about being alone. But where do you draw the line between the relatively normal worry of loneliness and an anxiety disorder?

According to the American Psychiatric Association, an individual should be diagnosed with separation anxiety when they show the following symptoms:

• Excessive anxiety about being separated from a person, an animal or an object.
• Fear of being alone.
• The very intense need to know where another person is at all times.

In adults, these symptoms can last for six months or more. They can cause significant anxiety and affect the social and professional life of the individual.

Causes of separation anxiety in adults

Separation anxiety in adults tends to manifest itself after separating from a person who is close and dear to the individual. On the other hand, separation anxiety can also be related to other forms of mental problems, such as delusional thoughts (psychotic disorders) or fear of change (autism spectrum disorder).

Sometimes adults suffering from separation anxiety seem to be controlling or overprotective. However, their actions are often an adult way of expressing their fear of separation.

Separation anxiety can stem from childhood. More specifically, it can be related to the individual’s first attachment bond. It can also stem from later experiences of unexpected and sudden loss. Trauma due to abuse and neglect can also cause separation anxiety.

Risk factors

Separation anxiety in adults often develops after the loss of a loved one or a major life event. Traveling away from home to study and divorce are two common causes of separation anxiety.

The likelihood that you will develop separation anxiety as an adult is much higher if you were diagnosed with separation anxiety as a child. Adults who have grown up with authoritarian parents are also at greater risk of developing this type of disorder. Another high-risk population is people with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Psychologists often diagnose separation anxiety in adults who have one of the following disorders:

• Generalized anxiety disorder.
• Post-traumatic stress syndrome.
• Panic disorder.
• Social anxiety disorder.
• Personality disorder.

Treatment options

Some possible treatment options for this disorder include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy.
• Group therapy.
• Family therapy.
• Dialectical behavior therapy.
• Drugs such as antidepressants, antianxiety drugs or psychotropics.

Qualified professionals are the only ones who can diagnose separation anxiety and prescribe treatment for it. If you think that you or someone you know may be suffering from this disorder, the first step is to make an appointment with a healthcare professional.