Symptoms:
- Excessive distress when separated from the primary caregiver
- Nightmares
- Reluctance to go to school or other places because of fear of separation
- Reluctance to go to sleep without the primary caregiver nearby
- Repeated physical complaints
- Worry about losing or harm coming to the primary caregiver
Signs and tests:
There are no tests for this condition, because it is normal.
If severe separation anxiety persists past age 2, an evaluation with a psychiatrist may be needed to determine if the child has an anxiety disorder or other condition.