Separation anxiety

Symptoms

Excessive distress when separated from the primary caregiver
Nightmares
Reluctance to go to school or other places because of fear of separation
Reluctance to go to sleep without the primary caregiver nearby
Repeated physical complaints
Worry about losing or harm coming to the primary caregiver

Signs and tests

There are no tests for this condition, because it is normal.

If severe separation anxiety persists past age 2, an evaluation with a psychiatrist may be needed to determine if the child has an anxiety disorder or other condition.

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Separation anxiety

Review Date: 04/20/2008
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).