Separation Anxiety Disorder, Pediatric

Julie S. O’Brien, MD, MS and Eva C. Ihle, MD, PhD Reviewed 10/2018

BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Separation anxiety disorder (SAD) is defined as developmentally inappropriate fear and anxiety about being away from home and/or apart from the individuals to whom a child is most at...

DIAGNOSIS

Anxiety with separation is a normative part of development, typically beginning around 6 or 7 months of age, peaking around 18 months and decreasing after 30 months.
- Normal separation anxiety...

TREATMENT

Initial treatment should include psychoeducation for the caregiver (who will need to implement changes with the child) and cognitive behavioral techniques for the child.

Psychoeducation for ...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

If impairing symptoms continue for more than a month, a higher level of intervention may be indicated.
If medications are started for anxiety in children, monitori...

ADDITIONAL READING

Brewer S, Sarvet B. Management of anxiety disorders in the pediatric primary care setting. Pediatr Ann. 2011;40(11):541–547. [View Abstract on OvidInsights]
Ehrenreich JT, Sant...

CODES

ICD9

309.21 Separation anxiety disorder

ICD10

F93.0 Separation anxiety disorder of childhood

SNOMED

11806006 separation anxiety disorder of childhood (disorder)

FAQ

Q: How do I know if it is developmentally normal separation anxiety?
A: When separation anxiety arises after the age of 6 years, it warrants intervention if it lasts for >4 weeks and/or is marke...

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