The separation anxiety disorder is characterized by the appearance of excessive and inappropriate anxiety due to the separation of family members or of those close to the child. Very commonly there is excessive worry that accidents might happen and separate them from their parents. Most of the times, fear of losing or being separated from parents is connected to the idea that a catastrophic event such as death, kidnapping, or a serious accident will take place.

Some important symptoms are nightmares about separation, reluctance in leaving parents in order to go to school, and reluctance in sleeping alone or at friends’ homes. Somatic complaints, such as stomachaches and headaches are very common and the child’s objective is to have the attention of the parents and to stay home, instead of going to school or avoid letting parents go to work.

At school, besides absences and tardiness, these children avoid extracurricular activities, like sports and study groups because they feel great anxiety in being away from affective figures, such as parents and close family members. As a result, these children will have poor grades, restricted friendship if any, and a jeopardized self-esteem and maturity level.