Mental health disorders in adults often go undiagnosed because they are misunderstood or overlooked. Among these is Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD), which is more commonly associated with children and adolescents.
However, many adults live with this condition, affecting their personal relationships, work life, and overall well-being. Identifying the signs of Separation Anxiety Disorder in adults is essential for seeking appropriate treatment and improving quality of life.
This article aims to raise awareness about SAD in adults, provide insight into the symptoms that might be missed, and highlight treatment options for those affected.
What Is Separation Anxiety Disorder in Adults?
Definition and Diagnostic Criteria (DSM-5)
Separation Anxiety Disorder in adults is defined as an intense fear or anxiety regarding separation from attachment figures, such as partners, family members, or close friends.
According to the DSM-5, for a diagnosis to be made, individuals must experience excessive distress when anticipating or experiencing separation, and the symptoms must persist for at least six months. Symptoms of SAD include excessive worry about the safety of loved ones, nightmares about separation, and physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches when separated.
Adults with SAD may exhibit behaviors such as being overly dependent on others for emotional support and frequently needing reassurance from loved ones. Unlike general anxiety, SAD is rooted in a deep fear of losing someone close or being alone.
Common Misconceptions
A common misconception is that Separation Anxiety Disorder only affects children. While it’s true that SAD is often diagnosed in younger individuals, it can persist into adulthood, or develop later in life. Many adults experience SAD without realizing that their symptoms are part of a diagnosable mental health condition. These adults often mistake their behaviors as normal reactions to stress or relationship dynamics, which contributes to the delay in seeking help.
How It Differs from General Anxiety or Codependency
It’s important to distinguish between general anxiety and Separation Anxiety Disorder. General anxiety typically involves feelings of unease or worry about a variety of situations or events, whereas SAD is specifically triggered by thoughts or experiences related to separation.
SAD also involves specific emotional responses tied to attachment figures, making it more targeted and focused compared to generalized anxiety.
Codependency is another issue that can be confused with SAD. Codependency is characterized by a dysfunctional relationship pattern where one person is overly reliant on another for their emotional needs.
While there are similarities in the attachment patterns, codependency is typically more about unhealthy relationship dynamics, whereas SAD is driven by fear and anxiety related to separation, regardless of the health of the relationship.
Separation Anxiety Disorder Symptoms in Adults
Emotional and Cognitive Signs
The emotional and cognitive signs of SAD in adults can include persistent worry or fear about being separated from a loved one. These thoughts are often intrusive and can feel overwhelming, leading to feelings of dread or hopelessness when thinking about separation. An adult with SAD may also experience constant thoughts about their loved one’s safety, fear of something bad happening to them, or excessive concern about the future of the relationship.
Feelings of panic or distress are common when separation is imminent or even when the idea of being apart from a loved one is introduced. This can significantly impact day-to-day life, making it difficult to function in work or social situations.
Behavioral Signs
Behaviorally, adults with SAD may cling to their loved ones, avoiding situations where separation is necessary, such as work, travel, or social gatherings. They may excessively call or text their partner, asking for reassurance or checking in constantly. These behaviors, while often driven by love and concern, can become emotionally draining for both the individual and their loved one.
SAD can also lead to avoidance of certain activities or situations. For example, an adult might avoid going on trips or taking on new responsibilities that would require separation from their loved ones. This can cause significant disruptions to personal and professional life.
Physical Symptoms
In addition to emotional and behavioral signs, SAD can manifest in physical symptoms. Adults with SAD may experience a range of physical issues, including headaches, stomachaches, dizziness, or difficulty sleeping, especially when anticipating separation. These physical symptoms can often be mistaken for other health issues, making it harder for individuals to connect their physical distress to their underlying anxiety disorder.
Causes and Risk Factors
Developmental Origins
Like many mental health disorders, the roots of Separation Anxiety Disorder in adults often trace back to childhood. If an individual experiences trauma or a significant separation in their early years, such as the loss of a caregiver or a traumatic event, these early experiences can affect their ability to cope with separation as they grow older. Attachment styles developed in childhood can have a long-lasting impact on emotional regulation and attachment patterns in adulthood.
Life Events That Can Trigger Onset in Adulthood
While SAD can originate in childhood, it can also develop later in life due to specific life events. Major life transitions such as the death of a loved one, divorce, or job loss can trigger symptoms of SAD in adults. These events may heighten feelings of vulnerability, leading to an increased fear of being left alone or losing others.
Co-occurring Disorders
Separation Anxiety Disorder in adults often co-occurs with other mental health disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder, depression, or other mood disorders. Individuals may experience a combination of anxiety and depressive symptoms, complicating the diagnosis and treatment process. A comprehensive evaluation is essential to determine whether SAD is the primary condition or whether other underlying issues are contributing to the symptoms.
Why Separation Anxiety in Adults Often Goes Undiagnosed
Normalizing Behavior in Relationships
Many adults with Separation Anxiety Disorder normalize their feelings and behaviors, thinking that their excessive worry is just a part of being in a loving relationship. This can make it difficult to identify the disorder, especially if the individual feels that their actions are simply a reflection of care and concern for their loved one. They may also justify their behaviors as a normal response to stress, not realizing that they are symptoms of a treatable mental health condition.
Masking Symptoms Under Other Labels
In some cases, individuals may mislabel their anxiety as other mental health conditions, such as generalized anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Because many of the symptoms overlap with other disorders, adults with SAD might receive treatment for other issues, only to find that their separation anxiety symptoms persist. This is why accurate diagnosis and thorough assessment are crucial for effective treatment.
Lack of Awareness Among Healthcare Providers
There is still a significant lack of awareness among healthcare providers regarding Separation Anxiety Disorder in adults. While it is more widely recognized in children, it remains underdiagnosed in adults. This gap in awareness can delay treatment, causing individuals to suffer for longer periods before receiving the help they need.
Separation Anxiety Disorder Treatments
Psychotherapy Options
The most effective treatment for Separation Anxiety Disorder in adults is psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps individuals identify and challenge the negative thought patterns that fuel their anxiety about separation. Through CBT, adults with SAD can learn coping mechanisms, stress management techniques, and how to confront their fears in a controlled and safe manner.
Exposure therapy, a type of CBT, is particularly helpful in reducing separation anxiety. It involves gradual exposure to the feared situation, such as being away from a loved one, helping individuals build resilience and emotional regulation over time.
Medication
In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help manage symptoms of anxiety or depression that co-occur with SAD. Antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may be used to treat underlying anxiety or depression. Benzodiazepines or other anxiolytics may be used on a short-term basis to help manage acute anxiety symptoms, although these are not recommended for long-term use.
Lifestyle and Coping Strategies
In addition to therapy and medication, adults with SAD can benefit from lifestyle changes and coping strategies. Practicing mindfulness, engaging in regular physical activity, and maintaining a consistent daily routine can help reduce anxiety. Building a strong support system and developing healthy communication with loved ones can also play an essential role in managing separation anxiety.
Support Systems and Relationship Dynamics
Support from family and friends is crucial in the treatment process. Educating loved ones about SAD can help them provide the necessary support and understanding. Couples therapy can be beneficial in addressing relationship dynamics that may be exacerbating symptoms, and teaching partners how to create healthier boundaries while maintaining closeness and intimacy.
Recap of the Hidden Signs of Separation Anxiety Disorder in Adults
Separation Anxiety Disorder is a serious condition that can negatively impact many aspects of life if left untreated. Recognizing the signs—emotional distress, excessive worry, behavioral changes, and physical symptoms—can be challenging, especially when the symptoms are often masked by other issues or normalized in relationships.
By seeking professional help and engaging in the appropriate therapies and treatments, individuals with SAD can significantly improve their quality of life. Therapy, medication, and self-help strategies offer a comprehensive approach to managing symptoms, and there’s no shame in reaching out for support. Mental health conditions are treatable at any age, and healing begins when individuals are willing to confront their challenges and take the necessary steps toward recovery.
