A member asked:
What is separation anxiety?
3 doctor answers • 10 doctors weighed in
Dr. Stefania Limaanswered
Pediatrics 10 years experience
See answer: It's a normal part of development, and it usually happens around 8-9 months of age and may last until a year or so. The child experiences anxiety when separated from the primary caregiver (usually the mother) and might cry, cling to that caregiver.
6.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Matthew Keeneranswered
Child Psychiatry 17 years experience
The "camp cries": Often really seen for the first time when kids go away to camp separation anxiety is when a child has an overwhelming anxiety response when separated from their caregiver. Like homesickness on steroids and it can happen anywhere, like a sleepover or even just going to school in the morning.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Johanna Frickeanswered
Pediatrics - Developmental and Behavioral 51 years experience
In infancy: Separation anxiety is a normal developmental milestone at 9-12 months that means your baby has " object permanence, " a mental representation of someone/something he can't see. Separation anxiety disorder in older children includes their worrying that something bad will happen to their parent or themselves while separated.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 32-year-old member asked:
What to do if I have anxiety and separation anxiety?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Edward Kuhnleyanswered
Child Psychiatry 46 years experience
Anxiety is normal to: Help us be aware of possible danger. Separation anxiety occurs in some when away from support persons. Anxiety disorder occurs if anxiety causes distress or impairs function. Anxiety management strategies are very helpful for most but evaluation and therapy may be necessary if anxiety is more severe and unmanageable. Best regards in your search for relief.
4.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
What can be done about separation anxiety?
2 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Andrew Hoanswered
Psychiatry 31 years experience
Start shorter: Work from very short to longer separation. No surprises. Don't give in when crying starts. Come back after crying stops. Goal is to teach ability to tolerate anxiety, followed by re-assurance that you will be back. Don't teach crying causes you to come back.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
What are the symptoms of separation anxiety?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Kevin Passeranswered
36 years experience
Several things: I assume you mean what happens with a child when his or her parents leave? Many believe this has to do with the reactions upon departure and the child's change in behaviors. In fact, separation anxiety can occur upon re-unification. What happens, especially with younger children is for example, when mommy comes back and the child sees her, the child becomes unglued realizing she was gone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Boyfriend has separation anxiety, what to do?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Heidi Fowleranswered
Psychiatry 26 years experience
Does he really have: Separation anxiety or is he overly dependent? Is he addicted to you? Well, this is an issue that he has to be willing to address. He might want to see a psychologist to deal with his relationship issues. Take care.
4.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
How can I get over separation anxiety?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Alan Alianswered
Psychiatry 33 years experience
Separation anxiety: Psychotherapy helps. Your doctor can also recommend medications if symptoms severe enough to interfere with your daily functioning.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated May 4, 2015
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $39!
50% off with $15/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.