Separation anxiety in adults is a condition in which an individual experiences extreme distress in the face of physical separation or the thought of separation from someone to whom the individual has a significant emotional attachment. Separation anxiety disorder occurs when an individual experiences excessive fear or anxiety concerning separation from those to whom the individual is attached, such as a close blood relative, a spouse or intimate partner, or roommate.

Symptoms of separation anxiety in adults include fear that something bad will happen to a family member during separation, fear of being abducted, following loved ones around the house, fear of being left alone, panic attacks when you can’t reach loved ones, and fear that you or a loved one will get injured during separation. Separation anxiety disorder can significantly interfere with or limit an adult’s daily life functioning in a variety of ways, such as work attendance and performance.

While there is no single cause for adult separation anxiety, many adults with this type of anxiety report that they always were slightly anxious when faced with time apart from their loved ones, struggling in childhood with school attendance, and often worrying about the wellbeing of their family when apart. Separation anxiety often develops after a loss of a loved one or following a significant event such as moving to college. Adults who grew up with overbearing parents may also be at an increased risk. Separation anxiety in adults often manifests alongside other anxiety disorders, like generalized anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, and panic disorder.

The first-line treatment for separation anxiety disorder is individual, family, or marital therapy. Separation anxiety in adults shouldn’t be dismissed, as it can cause numerous functional impairments and avoidance behaviors and is a major risk factor for additional disorders and mental health issues.