Attachment Anxiety

Psychologists and psychiatrists usually refer to attachment anxiety as separation anxiety. Attachment anxiety occurs when children or adults experience anxiety when separated from those to whom they are emotionally attached. When attachment anxiety becomes severe, it might be referred to as separation anxiety disorder.

  1. Significance

    • According to a 2006 survey conducted by Katherine Shear, M.D., a professor of psychiatry at Columbia University, separation anxiety disorder affects approximately 4 percent of children and more than 6 percent of adults.

    Time Frame

    • Separation anxiety occurs normally in young children from about 8 months until about 15 months, at which time separation anxiety tends to decrease. Severe anxiety that persists beyond this time period could indicate a separation anxiety disorder.

    Features

    • Children or adults with attachment anxiety or separation anxiety disorder worry obsessively about the well-being of those to whom they are attached, usually a parent or spouse. Also, these individuals might not be able to sleep without their loved ones nearby and might experience thoughts and nightmares about losing their loved ones.

    Considerations

    • Attachment anxiety or separation anxiety disorder often occurs along with other mental health issues such as generalized anxiety disorder or depression.

    Treatment

    • Attachment anxiety or separation anxiety can be treated with a combination of anti-anxiety medications and therapy.

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