Separation Anxiety Disorder

Question 1

Criterion A

Answer 1

Developmentally inappropriate and excessive fear/anxiety around separation from whom the individual is attached to (need 3 of the following)

1. recurrent excessive distress when anticipating/experiencing separation
2. persistent/excessive worry about losing major attachment figures
3. persistent/excessive worry about experiencing an untoward event (kidnap) that causes separation
4. persistent reluctance or refusal to go somewhere out of fear of separation
5. persistent and excessive fear or reluctance about being alone without attachment figure
6. persistent reluctance or refusal to sleep way from home or to go to sleep without attachment figure
7. repeated nightmares involving the theme of separation
8. repeated complaints of physical symptoms (when there is separation)

Question 2

Criterion B

Answer 2

The fear, anxiety, or avoidance, is persistent, lasting for at least 4 weeks in children and 6 months in adults

Question 3

Criterion C

Answer 3

The disturbance causes clinically significant distress or impairment

Question 4

Criterion D

Answer 4

Not better explained by another disorder