Separation anxiety

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

There are no tests for this condition, as it is normal. If severe separation anxiety persists past age 2, a psychiatric evaluation may be needed to determine if an anxiety disorder or other condition is present. This evaluation consists of having the child talk with a psychiatrist and providing the history of the symptoms and any family history of mental illness.

Review Date: 05/08/2004
Reviewed By: Katrina McPherson, M.D., Department of Pediatrics, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.