Separation Anxiety Disorder

Introduction

Separation anxiety is a normal phase of child development, beginning in the first year of life (6-12 mo) and peaking around 18 months.

• Separation anxiety that persists past 6 years of age, is generally pathological, or generally signifies a separation anxiety disorder
• Separation anxiety is distinct from the phenomenon of "stranger anxiety" which peaks in the first year of life, and generally resolves by 24 months.

Epidemiology

Children have a 12-month prevalence of 4%
Adolescents have a 12-month prevalence of 1.4%
DSM-5 recognized that separation anxiety disorder occurs in adults, with estimated 12-mo prevalence of 0.9-1.9%.

DSM-IV and DSM-5

DSM-IV classified sepration anxiety under the Disorders of Infancy, Childhood, or Adolescence.

• criteria call for 1mo of dysfunction beginning before age 18 years.

DSM-5 has eliminated the requirement for presence of symtpoms/dysfunction before 18.

• adults can be diagnosed with separation anxiety disorders if the symtpoms persist for at least 6 months.