Separation anxiety disorder is often viewed as a pediatric mental health concern only. But the truth is that this condition can affect people of all ages. The more you know about separation anxiety disorder in adults, the better prepared you’ll be to recognize the signs and get help, either for yourself or a loved one.
Separation Anxiety Disorder in Adults vs. in Children
Separation anxiety disorder is one of 11 anxiety disorders in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). It is also one of two anxiety disorders (along with selective mutism) that are more common among children than among adolescents or adults.
According to the DSM-5, about 4% of children, 1.6% of adolescents, and 0.9%-1.9% of adults have exhibited symptoms of separation anxiety disorder in the previous 12 month.
In children, this condition typically involves intense fear and excessive worry about being apart from a parent or other caregiver. When confronted with an imminent separation, even a brief one, children may fear that either they or their attachment figure will get lost, be abducted, die, or otherwise be prevented from reuniting.
Children who have separation anxiety disorder may:
- Follow their attachment figure from room to room when they are in the house together
- Have great difficulty sleeping in their own bed
- Sneak into their parents’ or siblings’ room so that they’re not alone at night
- Refuse to attend daycare or go to school
- Have frequent stomach aches, headaches, and other physical symptoms
- Be unable or unwilling to interact with peers
- Demand near continuous attention
As we will discuss a bit later in this post, separation anxiety in adults is also characterized by extreme fear and worry related to the absence of a specific person. However, while children usually focus their fears on a parent, sibling, or other caregiver, adults will typically be concerned about separations involving their spouse, partner, or children.
Causes of Separation Anxiety in Adults
An adult’s risk of developing separation anxiety disorder can be influenced by several factors, such as:
- Prior struggles with separation anxiety during childhood
- Being raised by domineering or overprotective parents
- Inheriting certain genetic variations
- Personal history of untreated trauma
- Having another anxiety disorder
- Personal losses such as the death of a loved one or the end of an important relationship
- Major life changes, such as graduating from college, becoming a parent, or moving away from one’s hometown
Signs & Symptoms of Separation Anxiety Disorder in Adults
In adults, separation anxiety disorder can involve symptoms such as:
- Persistent fear that their spouse or partner, children, or other loved ones will be assaulted, kidnapped, murdered, or accidentally killed
- Unwillingness to be separated from loved ones, even temporarily
- Vivid, disturbing nightmares related to the fears they have for their loved ones’ well-being
- Deep emotional pain, which can include anxiety, panic, and depression, when forced to be away from certain loved ones
- Dizziness, racing heart rate, breathing difficulties, and other forms of physical distress
In an attempt to avoid or cope with these types of symptoms, adults who have separation anxiety disorder may engage in a variety of problematic behaviors, such as:
- Refusing job offers or promotions that involve travel or other lengthy separations from loved ones
- Frequently missing work
- Prohibiting their children from participating in field trips, joining travel sports teams, or engaging in other activities that would take them away for extended periods
- Attempting to prevent their spouse or partner from taking advantage of academic or professional opportunities that could require them to spend time away from home
- Abusing alcohol or other drugs as a maladaptive coping mechanism
In some cases, the signs and symptoms of separation anxiety in adults can manifest as clinginess or codependence. In other cases, they can cause a person to become overly controlling. If the individual doesn’t get the help they need, their behaviors can drive a wedge between themselves and their loved ones.
Is There Treatment for Adults With Separation Anxiety Disorder?
Yes, separation anxiety disorder in adults is a treatable condition, often involving medication and therapy.
The specifics of an adult’s treatment plan for separation anxiety disorder can be influenced by a range of personal factors, such as how long they have been living with this condition, how it has affected their life, and if they have any co-occurring mental health concerns.
Depending on these and other relevant factors, an adult who has separation anxiety disorder may receive a prescription for an antidepressant (such as an SSRI or an SNRI) or an anti-anxiety med (such as a benzodiazepine).
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is generally regarded as the ideal first-line therapeutic approach for adults who have this condition. CBT can help people to:
- Identify maladaptive or self-defeating thought patterns
- Recognize unhealthy core beliefs about themselves, the world, and the future
- Acknowledge the harmful effects of their dysfunctional assumptions and automatic negative thoughts
- Replacing these problematic thoughts and perspectives with healthier ways of viewing themselves and interacting with others
If a patient has a history of trauma, other mental health concerns, or co-occurring addiction, treatment should also identify and address these needs as well. Attempting to treat one condition while ignoring others can undermine a person’s ability to achieve true and lasting healing.
Contact Montare Behavioral Health to Treat Separation Anxiety
If you have been living with separation anxiety disorder, Montare Behavioral Health is here to help.
Our network of mental health treatment centers includes several trusted facilities throughout Southern California. In every program at each location, you can expect to receive customized services and close personal support from a team of skilled professionals.
These dedicated caregivers will take the time to get to know you as a unique individual, so that we can be sure we are providing you with the focused care that best addresses the full scope of your specific needs.
To learn more about how we can help you or a loved one, or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Contact page or call us today.
