Separation Anxiety Disorder

Children with separation anxiety disorder (SAD) display an unusually strong fear or anxiety regarding separating from attachment figures.  This fear is not typical for their developmental age.  Common signs of SAD include: refusing to sleep alone, repeated nightmares with a theme of separation, excessive worrying when parted from home or family, excessive worry about the safety of a family member, school refusal,  frequent somatic complaints (stomachaches, headaches, etc.), muscle aches or tension, worries about the safety of self, and/or excessive clinginess, or temper tantrums at times of separation.