Separation Anxiety Disorder

A disorder of childhood that is characterized by excessive anxiety on separation from major attachment figures or from home or other familiar surroundings. When separation occurs, the child may experience anxiety to the point of panic. Associated behaviors are unrealistic fear regarding harm to attachment figures; persistent reluctance to go to school, to sleep alone, or be alone in the home or otherwise be separated from major attachment figures; repeated nightmares involving the theme of separation; complaints of physical symptoms on school days; and social withdrawal, sadness, apathy or signs of excessive distress upon separation.