Studies on separation anxiety disorder in adults indicate that both childhood hardship and lifetime trauma increase a person's probability of developing the disorder.

State University of New York at Albany

Separation anxiety disorder (SAD) is one of the most common childhood anxiety disorders. SAD is an exaggeration of other developmentally typical anxieties manifested as excessive concern, worry, or even fear of actual or expected separation from an attachment figure. Although separation anxiety is a developmentally appropriate phenomenon, the disorder can manifest with inappropriate intensity at the inappropriate age or in the inappropriate setting.

Developmentally appropriate separation anxiety manifests itself between 6 and 12 months of age. This normative or physiological separation anxiety persists until about 3 years of age and, under normal circumstances, abates thereafter.

Separation Anxiety Disorder(SAD)

Whitbourne, S. K. (2023). Abnormal psychology: Clinical perspective on psychological disorder. (10th ed.). McGraw Hill.

The Effect of Trauma on Separation Anxiety Reference 

Adult Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is a psychological condition characterized by excessive and persistent anxiety, fear, or distress when faced with the anticipation of separation from significant attachment figures, such as spouses, partners, or close friends. Individuals with adult SAD often experience intense feelings of worry, abandonment, and insecurity in response to separations, leading to significant emotional and behavioral challenges.

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