How can separation anxiety disorder affect my child’s life?

Separation Anxiety Disorder can affect your child’s ability to develop appropriate social skills and participate in activities that are good for individual development. Separation Anxiety Disorders can also affect all members of the child’s family. Often, children with separation anxiety will refuse to let his/her caregiver out of sight, and this can be stressful for the caregiver. Parents often report high levels of stress when dealing with children with separation anxiety. Other siblings may feel jealousy or resentment because of the amount of attention a child with separation anxiety requires. If left untreated, Separation Anxiety Disorder can manifest into other anxiety disorders later in life.

Because children may be unable to articulate their feelings, it is the responsibility of the caretakers to determine the extent of the problem and the necessity for treatment.