Understanding Separation Anxiety in Adults

Separation anxiety is a normal developmental stage for very young children. In some children, it becomes so disruptive that treatment is required. However, many people do not realize that adults can also suffer from separation anxiety. There are many types of anxiety, not all of which are severe enough to require professional treatment. Still, when anxiety starts interfering in daily life, it may be time to seek help from an anxiety treatment program. Adults who are dealing with separation anxiety disorder can improve with the right kind of treatment and support.

What Is Separation Anxiety Disorder?

Separation anxiety disorder is a mental health condition in which a person excessively worries about being away from a loved one. Most people experience a degree of this kind of worry. Still, in the case of separation anxiety disorder, the concern becomes disruptive to the daily life of the person as well as their loved ones.

What Are the Symptoms of Separation Anxiety Disorder in Adults?

Some of the symptoms of separation anxiety disorder in adults are:

• Excessive concern about being injured or experiencing an accident while separated from a loved one
• Following loved ones around the house or insisting on going with them when they leave the house
• Fears of being abducted or experiencing some other type of violence while separated
• Having nightmares about being away from loved ones or forcibly separated
• Difficulty sleeping when away from loved ones
• Excessive worry about situations or events that may cause separation from loved ones
• Physical symptoms when presented with separation, or even when separation is anticipated

How Is Separation Anxiety Disorder Treated?

Adults with separation anxiety disorder may benefit from a variety of treatments and medications, much like people who live with other forms of anxiety. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, people living with an anxiety disorder may need more intensive treatment in order to start recovering.

Some of the treatments that may be utilized to help adults experiencing separation anxiety disorder are:

• Cognitive-behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Support groups or peer counseling groups
• Family therapy
• Medications to treat anxiety and other mental health symptoms

How Can an Anxiety Treatment Program Help Adults Living With Separation Anxiety Disorder?

Often, severe anxiety can be highly disruptive to a person’s daily life. People find that they are unable to work, attend school, perform family obligations, or deal with daily living tasks.
In these cases, intensive treatment programs can be very helpful. When participating in such a program, clients are monitored more frequently to see how treatments are progressing. A client’s medications can be adjusted based on these more frequent observations, which can help jumpstart symptom relief. Also, clients can benefit from daily therapy and support group sessions to help them develop better coping skills and learn to manage their conditions better.

Especially when symptoms have become extremely disruptive, a period of time where the focus is on recovery and healing can be very beneficial. Adults living with separation anxiety disorder may struggle at first, like many others living with mental health conditions, but taking the time to attend to one’s health and well-being often makes a big difference.

Greater Boston Recovery Centers Can Help Adults Living With Separation Anxiety

Our staff of highly trained clinicians understands that anxiety can be a complex problem, and we have the experience and knowledge to help unravel those issues. Our clients have access to treatments based on best clinical practices, as well as a supportive, recovery-focused community. If you or someone you care about has been struggling with separation anxiety, reach out to us today at 877.920.6583.