What is separation anxiety in adults?

Separation anxiety in adults is when a person fears being separated from a specific person (or persons). However, it doesn't always have to be people that a person fears being separated from as some adults have separation anxiety when they are separated from a pet.

The formal name is adult separation anxiety disorder or ASAD for short.

Persons with ASAD may experience high levels of anxiety, and occasionally even panic attacks, when they separated from a loved one. They also tend to be socially disengaged, exhibit symptoms of severe depression, and/or experience trouble concentrating when separated from a specific person.

A study found that, while 4% of children in the U.S. are impacted by child separation anxiety disorder (CSAD), even more adults will suffer from ASAD. In fact, ASAD is estimated to have a prevalence rate of 6.6% among U.S. adults. That translates to over 20 million adults who will experience ASAD at some time in their lives.


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