Kids who have separation anxiety disorder get really worried or scared when they're away from their parents or other people they're very close to. They might worry that they'll get lost from their family, or that something bad will happen to a family member if they're not together.

For this to be considered a disorder, the worry and fear must last for at least four weeks. It's different from the normal kind of separation anxiety that most toddlers go through, which usually goes away on its own. It's also not the same as a baby being scared of strangers, which is a normal part of development for infants. The feelings of fear and worry with separation anxiety disorder are much stronger and last longer.

Whose Is Affected?

Everyone, including kids and teens, gets worried sometimes. That's a normal part of growing up. But if a child's worries and fears about being away from home or family are much bigger than what's normal for their age, it might be separation anxiety disorder (SAD).

• Boys and girls are affected by SAD equally.
• The first signs of SAD often show up around third or fourth grade.
• Sometimes, it starts after a long break from school, like a holiday or after being sick for a while.
• About 4% of young children have SAD. The number is a little lower for teenagers.
• Kids whose parents have an anxiety disorder are more likely to have one themselves.

It's believed that a mix of things can cause anxiety disorders.

• Biology: Sometimes, anxiety is connected to two chemicals in the brain called norepinephrine and serotonin. If these chemicals are out of balance, it can lead to anxiety. A child might also inherit a tendency to be a bit more anxious from their parents.
• Family: Kids can also learn to be anxious by watching family members who are often worried or scared.
• Life Events: A scary or upsetting event, like a bad accident or a house fire, can also sometimes cause a child to start having anxiety.

The following are the most common signs of SAD. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• Refusal to sleep alone
• Repeated nightmares with a theme of separation
• Excessive distress when separation from home or family occurs or is anticipated
• Excessive worry about the safety of a family member
• Excessive worry about getting lost from family
• Refusing to go to school
• Fearful and reluctant to be alone
• Frequent stomach aches, headaches or other physical complaints
• Muscle aches or tension
• Excessive worry about safety of self
• Excessive worry about or when sleeping away from home
• Excessive "clinginess," even when at home
• Symptoms of panic or temper tantrums at times of separation from parents or caregivers

The symptoms of separation anxiety disorder may resemble other conditions or psychiatric problems. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.

Specific treatment for separation anxiety disorder will be determined by your child's physician based on:

• Your child's age, overall health and medical history
• Extent of your child's symptoms
• Your child's tolerance for specific medications or therapies
• Expectations for the course of the condition
• Your opinion or preference

Anxiety disorders can be treated, and kids can get better. The best treatment plan is made after talking to the child and their family.

• Therapy: One common type of therapy is called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). In CBT, a therapist helps a child learn skills to handle their worries and fears. They also help the child practice being in situations that make them anxious so they can get more comfortable over time.
• Medicine: Sometimes, a doctor might recommend a special kind of medicine to help a child feel calmer. These medicines are often antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications.
• Family Support: Parents are a very important part of the treatment process. Sometimes, the whole family might do therapy together. Talking to the child's school can also be helpful.