• Mental Health
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • ADHD
    • Addiction
      • What is Addiction?
      • What Are Behavioral Addictions?
      • Addiction vs Dependence
      • Addiction Myths vs Facts
      • Addiction Statistics
      • How to Help a Friend
      • Find an Addiction Specialist
    • Eating Disorders
    • Personality Disorders
      • Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder
        • OCD vs. OCPD
    • Trauma
      • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
        • PTSD & COVID-19
      • Childhood Trauma
    • Sexual Disorders
      • Anorgasmia
      • Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)
      • Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)
      • Premature Ejaculation (PE)
      • Delayed Ejaculation
    • Schizophrenia
  • Therapy Techniques
    • Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy
      • Online Therapy for Teens
      • Best LGBTQ Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy for Insurance
    • Psychotherapy
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
      • CBT for Anxiety
      • CBT for Social Anxiety
      • CBT for Panic Disorder
      • CBT for Insomnia
      • CBT Online
    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
      • DBT for Teens
    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
    • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
      • EMDR for PTSD
      • EMDR for Anxiety
      • EMDR Online
    • Art Therapy
    • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
    • Exposure and Response Prevention
    • Group Therapy
    • Hypnotherapy
    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Person Centered Therapy
    • Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
    • Sex Therapy
  • Types of Therapists
    • Faith-Based & Christian Counselors
    • Life Coaching
    • Family Therapist
      • Child & Teen Counseling
    • Marriage & Couples Counselors
      • Premarital Counseling
    • Psychiatrist
      • Psychology vs. Psychiatry
    • Psychotherapist
    • Grief Counselors
    • Online Therapists
  • Starting Therapy FAQ
    • Does Therapy Work?
      • How to Find a Therapist
      • Helping a Friend or Loved One
    • How to Choose a Therapist
      • Finding a Black Therapist
      • Finding a Latinx Therapist
      • Finding an LGBTQ-Friendly Therapist
      • Finding a Therapist as a Young Adult
      • Finding an Online Therapist
    • Preparing for Your First Session
    • Types of Mental Health Professionals
    • Mental Health Insurance
      • HSAs for Therapy
      • Sliding Scale Therapy Fees
    • Mental Health in the Workplace
      • Asking for a Mental Health Day
      • Taking Time Off for Mental Health
    • Top Mental Health Organizations
      • Mental Health Resources Outside the U.S.
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
    • Write for Us
    • Join the Directory
    • Careers
  • Therapist Directory
    • Find a Therapist
    • Join the Directory
    • Directory Login
  • Mental Health
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • ADHD
    • Addiction
      • What is Addiction?
      • What Are Behavioral Addictions?
      • Addiction vs Dependence
      • Addiction Myths vs Facts
      • Addiction Statistics
      • How to Help a Friend
      • Find an Addiction Specialist
    • Eating Disorders
    • Personality Disorders
      • Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder
        • OCD vs. OCPD
    • Trauma
      • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
        • PTSD & COVID-19
      • Childhood Trauma
    • Sexual Disorders
      • Anorgasmia
      • Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)
      • Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)
      • Premature Ejaculation (PE)
      • Delayed Ejaculation
    • Schizophrenia
  • Therapy Techniques
    • Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy
      • Online Therapy for Teens
      • Best LGBTQ Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy for Insurance
    • Psychotherapy
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
      • CBT for Anxiety
      • CBT for Social Anxiety
      • CBT for Panic Disorder
      • CBT for Insomnia
      • CBT Online
    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
      • DBT for Teens
    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
    • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
      • EMDR for PTSD
      • EMDR for Anxiety
      • EMDR Online
    • Art Therapy
    • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
    • Exposure and Response Prevention
    • Group Therapy
    • Hypnotherapy
    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Person Centered Therapy
    • Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
    • Sex Therapy
  • Types of Therapists
    • Faith-Based & Christian Counselors
    • Life Coaching
    • Family Therapist
      • Child & Teen Counseling
    • Marriage & Couples Counselors
      • Premarital Counseling
    • Psychiatrist
      • Psychology vs. Psychiatry
    • Psychotherapist
    • Grief Counselors
    • Online Therapists
  • Starting Therapy FAQ
    • Does Therapy Work?
      • How to Find a Therapist
      • Helping a Friend or Loved One
    • How to Choose a Therapist
      • Finding a Black Therapist
      • Finding a Latinx Therapist
      • Finding an LGBTQ-Friendly Therapist
      • Finding a Therapist as a Young Adult
      • Finding an Online Therapist
    • Preparing for Your First Session
    • Types of Mental Health Professionals
    • Mental Health Insurance
      • HSAs for Therapy
      • Sliding Scale Therapy Fees
    • Mental Health in the Workplace
      • Asking for a Mental Health Day
      • Taking Time Off for Mental Health
    • Top Mental Health Organizations
      • Mental Health Resources Outside the U.S.
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
    • Write for Us
    • Join the Directory
    • Careers
  • Therapist Directory
    • Find a Therapist
    • Join the Directory
    • Directory Login
Skip to content

Separation Anxiety Disorder In Adults: Symptoms, Treatments, & How to Cope

Published: January 18, 2022 Updated: March 7, 2023
Published: 01/18/2022 Updated: 03/07/2023
Headshot of Silvi Saxena, MBA, MSW, LSW, CCTP, OSW-C
Written by:

Silvi Saxena

MBA, MSW, LSW, CCTP, OSW-C
Headshot of Rajy Abulhosn, MD
Reviewed by:

Rajy Abulhosn

MD
  • What Is Separation Anxiety?Definition
  • Symptoms of Separation Anxiety In AdultsSymptoms
  • Causes & Triggers of Adult Separation AnxietyCauses
  • Treatment of Separation Anxiety Disorder In AdultsTreatment
  • Coping With Separation Anxiety as an AdultHow to Cope
  • Final ThoughtsConclusion
  • Additional ResourcesResources
Headshot of Silvi Saxena, MBA, MSW, LSW, CCTP, OSW-C
Written by:

Silvi Saxena

MBA, MSW, LSW, CCTP, OSW-C
Headshot of Rajy Abulhosn, MD
Reviewed by:

Rajy Abulhosn

MD

Separation anxiety in adults refers to a great fear of being away from a loved one. Separation anxiety is common in children; however, adults can suffer from it too, often due to attachment issues from childhood. In children, it’s often in relation to a caregiver. In adulthood, it can be anxiety related to being separated from a loved one like a child or partner.

Find a supportive therapy that can help with separation anxiety. BetterHelp has over 20,000 licensed therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. BetterHelp starts at $60 per week. Complete a brief questionnaire and get matched with the right therapist for you.

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by BetterHelp

Visit BetterHelp

What Is Separation Anxiety?

Separation anxiety disorder is a common anxiety condition diagnosed in children that can continue to persist throughout adolescence and into adulthood. Separation anxiety can also appear later in adulthood, but it’s usually related to attachment issues stemming from childhood.

Symptoms of Separation Anxiety In Adults

Separation anxiety in adults looks like a heightened state of anxiety that could include panic attacks when met with separation or the idea of separation from loved ones. It may include a refusal to honor boundaries and difficulty with eating and sleeping habits due to separation. Adults may find it hard to partake in daily activities and become withdrawn as a result. Some manifest their anxiety by having poor boundaries with children or partners.1

Symptoms of separation anxiety in adults include:2

  • Fear of being alone
  • Worries that a loved one will be hurt
  • Fear of being away from loved one
  • Depression
  • Physical pain
  • Headaches
  • General anxiety and agitation
  • Obsessive thoughts
  • Being withdrawn and isolated
  • Changes in sleep and eating habits
  • Mood swings
  • Restlessness
  • Muscle tension
  • Inability to focus

Causes & Triggers of Adult Separation Anxiety

There are several potential causes and triggers of adult separation anxiety, including developmental delays, a history of trauma, or the unexpected death of a loved one.

Here are several potential causes of adult separation anxiety:3

  • Abandonment
  • Relational conflict
  • Family history of anxiety
  • Forced separation
  • Neurological issues
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Inconsistent caregivers
  • Codependency
  • Developmental delays or disturbances
  • History of trauma
  • Unexpected death of a loved one

How Attachment Affects Separation Anxiety

Having an insecure attachment style can predict adult separation anxiety disorder. Insecure attachment is often related to inconsistency during childhood, and that variability breeds fear and anxiety, leading to adult uncertainty about relationships.

Those with anxious insecure attachment styles often feel overwhelmed but also have a drive to feel safe. Additionally, anxiously attached adults often have a hard time deescalating emotions and may find it hard to maintain healthy boundaries. They may have a history of being abandoned in relationships and find themselves seeking approval or feeling overly sensitive or fearful in response to common relationship issues. Lastly, they may easily be triggered by conflict or sudden change.4

Treatment of Separation Anxiety Disorder In Adults

Thankfully, separation anxiety can be treated, usually with therapy. The approach to treatment will depend on the person’s history and the specific triggers of the anxiety.

Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most common types of therapy used to treat anxiety disorders. In CBT, the therapist helps you identify negative thought patterns that impact your behavior and emotions. By getting to the root of the thought, it empowers you to reshape your experience. When used consistently for two months, CBT can help relieve feelings of stress and anxiety.5,6

Mindfulness and formal meditation are often integrated into therapy due to their powerful anxiety-reducing capabilities.7 They help people learn to pull their attention away from unhelpful thoughts and be more present. Certain types of therapy like acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), Mindfulness-based CBT, and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) utilize mindfulness as a method of emotional regulation.

For those who can identify a specific situation that caused their separation anxiety, solution-focused therapy can help. It’s often provided in 6-8 sessions (or fewer) and focuses on helping people find solutions to specific problems and stressors. Those with chronic anxiety problems may benefit from longer-term therapy, but solution-focused therapy helps more with situational anxiety or adapting to a specific life change.

Medication

Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications are considered the most common forms of medication for separation anxiety. People respond differently to every type of medication, so it’s important to recognize that there is no “one-size-fits-all” option. You should always have medical supervision from a psychiatrist or primary care physician when starting, changing, or ending a medication regimen.8

Coping With Separation Anxiety as an Adult

Therapy often teaches supplemental methods of coping with anxiety that you can use all the time, even when you’re by yourself. During any given session, you’ll likely also learn about the poor coping mechanisms you may have used in the past that exacerbated or further triggered anxious thoughts, and learn better methods of emotional regulation.9

Healthy ways to cope with separation anxiety include:

  • Mindfulness meditation
  • Art therapy
  • Journaling
  • Narrative therapy
  • Yoga
  • Talking to loved ones about how you feel
  • Making actionable steps and goals to resolve problems

Final Thoughts

There are many ways to address and overcome challenges with adult separation anxiety, like talking to a therapist or reaching out to a trusted friend or family member can make an enormous difference in how you feel. Learning to manage and cope with anxiety can take time, but try to remember to have patience with yourself—healing is possible.

Additional Resources

Education is just the first step on our path to improved mental health and emotional wellness. To help our readers take the next step in their journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy may be compensated for marketing by the companies mentioned below.

Talk Therapy

Online-Therapy.com – Get support and guidance from a licensed therapist. Online-Therapy.com provides 45 minutes weekly video sessions and unlimited text messaging with your therapist for only $64/week. Get Started

Virtual Psychiatry

Hims / Hers – If you’re living with anxiety or depression, finding the right medication match may make all the difference. Get FDA approved medication prescribed by your dedicated Hims / Hers Healthcare Provider and delivered right to your door. Plans start at $25 per month (first month)*. Get Started

Anxiety Newsletter

A free newsletter from Choosing Therapy for those impacted by anxiety. Get helpful tips and the latest information. Sign Up

Learn Mindfulness, Meditation, & Relaxation Techniques

Mindfulness.com – Change your life by practicing mindfulness. In a few minutes a day, you can start developing mindfulness and meditation skills. Free Trial

Choosing Therapy Directory

You can search for therapists by specialty, experience, insurance, or price, and location. Find a therapist today.

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by Online-Therapy.com, Hims / Hers, and Mindfulness.com. *Hims / Hers Disclaimer: Subscription required. After first month, price is $85/month for a monthly subscription or $49/month for a three-month subscription ($123 for first order, $147 billed quarterly thereafter). Subscription automatically renews unless you cancel at least 7 days before renewal is processed.

For Further Reading

  • Mental Health America
  • National Alliance on Mental Health
  • MentalHealth.gov
9 sources

Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.

  • Gittelman, R., & Klein, D. F. (2019). Childhood separation anxiety and adult agoraphobia. Anxiety and anxiety disorders, 389-402.

  • Gesi, C., Carmassi, C., Shear, K. M., Schwartz, T., Ghesquiere, A., Khaler, J., & Dell’Osso, L. (2017). Adult separation anxiety disorder in complicated grief: an exploratory study on frequency and correlates. Comprehensive psychiatry, 72, 6-12.

  • Mabilia, D., Di Riso, D., Lis, A., & Bobbio, A. (2019). A prediction model for separation anxiety: the role of attachment styles and internalizing symptoms in Italian young adults. Journal of Adult Development, 26(4), 286-294.

  • Mikulincer, M., & Shaver, P. R. (2019). Attachment orientations and emotion regulation. Current Opinion in Psychology, 25, 6-10.

  • Pahlavanzadeh, S., Abbasi, S., & Alimohammadi, N. (2017). The Effect of Group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Stress, Anxiety, and Depression of Women with Multiple Sclerosis. Iranian journal of nursing and midwifery research, 22(4), 271–275.

  • Terp, U., Hjärthag, F., & Bisholt, B. (2019). Effects of a Cognitive Behavioral-Based Stress Management Program on Stress Management Competency, Self-efficacy and Self-esteem Experienced by Nursing Students. Nurse Educator, 44(1), 1-5.

  • Strauss, C., Gu, J., Pitman, N., Chapman, C., Kuyken, W., & Whittington, A. (2018). Evaluation of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for life and a cognitive behavioural therapy stress-management workshop to improve healthcare staff stress: study protocol for two randomised controlled trials. Trials(19)209.

  • Bandelow, B. (2020). Current and novel psychopharmacological drugs for anxiety disorders. Anxiety Disorders, 347-365.

  • Joramo, I., Solem, S., Romundstad, B., & Nordahl, H. M. (2021). Change talk and sustain talk in treatment of generalized anxiety disorder: A secondary analysis of cognitive behavioral therapy and metacognitive therapy in adult outpatients. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 72, 101650.

update history

We regularly update the articles on ChoosingTherapy.com to ensure we continue to reflect scientific consensus on the topics we cover, to incorporate new research into our articles, and to better answer our audience’s questions. When our content undergoes a significant revision, we summarize the changes that were made and the date on which they occurred. We also record the authors and medical reviewers who contributed to previous versions of the article. Read more about our editorial policies here.

  • Originally Published: July 27, 2021
    Original Author: Silvi Saxena, MBA, MSW, LSW, CCTP, OSW-C
    Original Reviewer: Rajy Abulhosn, MD

  • Updated: January 18, 2022
    Author: No Change
    Reviewer: No Change
    Primary Changes: Updated for Readability and Clarity.

Recent Articles

Tokophobia: Symptoms, Treatments, & How to Cope
Tokophobia (Fear of Pregnancy): Symptoms, Treatments, & How to Cope
Tokophobia is a fear of pregnancy and childbirth that affects approximately 6-10% of pregnant women. Women with tokophobia feel...
';
Fear of Cancer: Signs, Causes, & How to Overcome
Fear of Cancer: Causes, Treatments, & How to Overcome
Fear of cancer is bred by our understanding that cancer is vicious, unpredictable, and a death sentence. Having a...
';
Hemophobia (Fear of Blood): Symptoms, Treatments, & How to Cope
Hemophobia (Fear of Blood): Symptoms, Treatments, & How to Cope
Hemophobia is an extreme and irrational fear of blood that often involves fainting, a unique symptom not part of...
';
Cynophobia (Fear of Dogs) Symptoms, Treatments, and How to Cope
Cynophobia (Fear of Dogs): Symptoms, Treatments, & How to Cope
Cynophobia is an extreme, irrational fear of dogs that can drastically impact a person’s life, routines, and well-being, making...
';
Agoraphobia: Signs, Symptoms & Treatments
Agoraphobia: Signs, Symptoms & Treatments
People with agoraphobia avoid specific public places or situations because they anticipate having anxiety or a panic attack and...
';
Somniphobia (Fear of Sleep): Symptoms, Treatments, & How to Cope
Somniphobia (Fear of Sleep): Symptoms, Treatments, & How to Cope
Somniphobia, also known as fear of sleep, is generalized as a cross-over of anxiety and insomnia. There is typically...
';
Headshot of Silvi Saxena, MBA, MSW, LSW, CCTP, OSW-C
Written by:

Silvi Saxena

MBA, MSW, LSW, CCTP, OSW-C
Headshot of Rajy Abulhosn, MD
Reviewed by:

Rajy Abulhosn

MD
  • What Is Separation Anxiety?Definition
  • Symptoms of Separation Anxiety In AdultsSymptoms
  • Causes & Triggers of Adult Separation AnxietyCauses
  • Treatment of Separation Anxiety Disorder In AdultsTreatment
  • Coping With Separation Anxiety as an AdultHow to Cope
  • Final ThoughtsConclusion
  • Additional ResourcesResources
If you are in need of immediate medical help:
Medical
Emergency
911
Suicide Hotline
800-273-8255
See more Crisis Hotlines
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Write for Us
  • Careers
  • Editorial Policy
  • Advertising Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • No Surprises Act
For immediate help call:
Medical Emergency:
911
Suicide Hotline:
988
Click For More Crisis Hotlines
For immediate help call:
Medical Emergency:
911
Suicide Hotline:
811
See more Crisis Hotlines
here
logo
This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.
This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify.
Choosing Therapy Logo
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit Cookie Settings to provide controlled consent. Cookie settings ACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

We use cookies to facilitate website functionality. Also, we use third-party cookies to track your website behavior and target advertising. These cookies are stored in your browser only with your consent, and you have the choice of opting out.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non Necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

Save & Accept