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Anxiety

Separation anxiety disorder

Excessive fear or anxiety of separation from attachment people, with concern that something will happen to them. It can occur in children as well as adults.

Common signs

Intense distress when separatingWorry that something will happen to the other personAvoids sleeping alone or leaving home

Tips

For you

  1. Brief, predictable goodbyes without dragging them out
  2. Gradual exposure to short separations
  3. Validate the fear and convey confidence

For family and friends

  1. Short, loving goodbyes without dragging them out
  2. Keep your promises about when you'll be back

When to ask for help

  1. If they can't go to school or work
  2. If the distress lasts more than a month

Guidance test

Answer thinking about the last few weeks. There are 8 questions and you get your result straight away. Your answers are not saved or sent.

0 of 8
1. Separating from the people I love really distresses me
2. I worry something will happen to them when I'm not with them
3. I avoid going out or sleeping away from home because of this worry
4. I need to know where they are at all times
5. I have nightmares about being separated
6. I have aches or feel unwell when I know a separation is coming
7. I call or text many times to check they're OK
8. This worry holds me back in life
Also take the full anxiety test →

Free resources

Downloadable PDF sheetSigns, tips and resources to print or saveFull article: Separation anxietyFree resource from Clínica VivaldiFree guide: Childhood and youthFree resource from Clínica Vivaldi

Related disorders

Selective mutismAnxietySpecific phobiaAnxietySocial anxiety disorder (social phobia)AnxietyPanic disorderAnxiety

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Reviewed by María Teresa Fernández Vicente, health psychologist and neuropsychologist (registration no. CV17304), in November 2026. Educational information prepared by the Clínica Vivaldi team based on the DSM-5-TR classification. It does not replace a professional assessment and cannot be used to diagnose.