Separation Anxiety Research Paper

Separation Anxiety Disorder: Wanting what is Close to You We have all seen it many times. Parents and a child shopping at the local retail store with the father takes the child while the mother goes to shop separately or try on clothing. The child immediately begins to cry inconsolably. The father tries to calm the child, but to no avail. Some shoppers try to ignore the on slot of tears the child is producing, while others observe to ensure abuse is not occurring. Oftentimes, the mother returns quickly to console the crying child. The child was experiencing separation anxiety. For infants and toddlers, separation anxiety is quite normal (Bacay 1). However, if this continues beyond those developmental stages, it is then considered Separation

Adult separation anxiety is the same as that of separation anxiety in children; however, instead of a parent or caregiver, adults fear major attachment figures being separated from them (Brannan). These figures include siblings, spouses, significant others, children, and/or friends (Brannan). Under the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5), separation anxiety disorder is now categorized under Anxiety Disorders (“Separation”). Based upon the statistical data collected, approximately 6.6 percent of adults in America suffer from separation anxiety during their lifetime; approximately 77 percent of adults suffering from adult separation anxiety experienced their first symptoms during adulthood (Brannan). Approximately 4.1 percent of children suffer from separation anxiety in America (Brannan). Though separation anxiety is more likely to be diagnosed in the juvenile population, there is more occurrence of the disorder in the adult population (Brannan). According to Jean-Michel Quinodoz, “Separation anxiety is actually one of the most common proximate causes of pathological manifestations and is responsible in particular for many different forms of mental or bodily illnesses or accidents. (Quinodoz

Children often overwhelm their parents with demanding, intrusive behavior and the constant need for attention (Grohol). Many parents began to get angry because of the behavior they are not effectively finishing tasks that need to be completed (Bacay 2). Such stress leads to anxiety disorder among the parents (Davidson). Family therapy is recommended for both the development and management of separation anxiety disorder (“Separation”). It is just as exhaustive having an adult loved one with separation anxiety (Brannan). The adult with the disorder is excessively demanding of constant attention that it becomes suffocating for the loved one (Brannan). If the loved one does get a moment of reprieve, the adult with the disorder is constantly calling and texting (Brannan). All involved parties should seek a support system and psychological help to deal with the situation