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Psychiatry14 papers

Separation anxiety disorder of childhood

Last edited: 4/15/2026

Overview

Separation anxiety disorder of childhood is characterized by excessive fear or anxiety about separation from attachment figures, leading to significant distress and impairment in daily functioning 1.

Diagnosis

  • Persistent and excessive fear or anxiety about separation from home or attachment figures 1.
  • Fear manifests with physical symptoms or behavioral problems when separation occurs 1.
  • Symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, academic, or other important areas of functioning 1.
  • No other mental disorder adequately explains the presentation 1.

    • Management

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is recommended as first-line psychological intervention 1.
  • Parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) can be effective, particularly when parental involvement is crucial 1.
  • Pharmacotherapy is generally reserved for severe cases; SSRIs like fluvoxamine may be considered, though specific dosing is not detailed in the provided abstracts 1.

    • Special Populations

  • No specific guidance provided for pediatrics, pregnancy, elderly, or comorbidities in the given abstracts 1.

    • Key Recommendations

  • Utilize cognitive-behavioral therapy as the primary psychological intervention for separation anxiety disorder in children (Evidence: Moderate) 1.
  • Consider parent-child interaction therapy when parental involvement can enhance treatment outcomes (Evidence: Moderate) 1.
  • Reserve pharmacotherapy, such as SSRIs, for severe cases where psychological interventions are insufficient or unavailable (Evidence: Weak) 1.

    • References

    1 Quadrio C. Psychiatry and family law in Western Australia. The Australian and New Zealand journal of psychiatry 1981. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Psychiatry and family law in Western Australia. — Quadrio C The Australian and New Zealand journal of psychiatry (1981)
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