The sense of discomfort that a child feels when experiencing or being threatened by a separation from an attachmentfigure. This is a normal stage of development that indicates a strong primary attachment. It typically develops between ages 10 and 15 months. These concerns may preoccupy children up to age 3 years. If the concerns persist or arise later and are of clinical significance, they may indicate a separation anxiety disorder.
The fear and apprehension noted in infants when removed from the mother (or surrogate mother) or when approached by strangers. Most marked from sixth to tenth month. In later life, similar reactions may be caused by separation from significant persons or familiar surroundings.
A state of anxiety caused in someone, especially a young child, by the thought or fact of being separated from his or her mother or primary caregiver.
Fear of being divided from home and mother—or whoever is the primary caregiver who bonded with the infant. Whether the threat is real or imagined, separation anxiety is normal among young children, with their cries often causing great anguish to parents. For most, the crying is a means of communication, saying “Don’t go!” In many child-care situations, however, such cries often dry up once the parent has gone. To ease the process, psychologists recommend that parents prepare children beforehand for transitions, familiarizing the child with the place and people with whom he or she will be staying; equally important is to give the child a good dose of one-to-one personal attention on return. Separation anxiety may also be linked to school phobia. In some children, anxiety grows so great as to constitute separation anxiety disorder.
Distress, agitation, or apprehension expressed by toddlers or others when they are removed from mother, family, home, or other familiar surroundings.
The emotional distress felt by a young child when separated from parents or home. Signs of this distress may include crying and clinging to a parent. This is a common aspect of infant behavior and typically fades by the age of three or four.
In cases of separation anxiety disorder, the response to separation is more intense than what is typical for the child’s age and development. This anxiety might manifest as physical symptoms like headaches, nausea, and disrupted sleep. Separation anxiety disorder can occasionally be associated with depressive conditions.