The Link Between Separation Anxiety Disorder and Depression

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSeparation Anxiety vs. SADSymptoms of SADSAD and DepressionWhat Parents Can DoAdults with SAD

Table of ContentsView All

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Table of Contents

Separation Anxiety vs. SAD

Symptoms of SAD

SAD and Depression

What Parents Can Do

Adults with SAD

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Separation anxiety disorder and depression share many symptoms. As a parent, you are probably familiar withseparation anxiety—the feeling an infant or child experiences when separated from their caregivers. You may be less familiar with separation anxiety disorder (SAD) and its relation to depression.

This article covers the difference between separation anxiety and SAD, as well as the symptoms of SAD. It also discusses how separation anxiety disorder can manifest in both children and adults, and how you can seek treatment for your child or yourself.

Separation Anxiety vs. Separation Anxiety Disorder

Your infant will likely experience some separation anxiety when you or other caregivers are out of sight. This is normal in thedevelopment processand usually begins around eight months and lasts through the child’s second year.For an infant, when you are out of sight, you are gone forever. As your infant matures, they will learn through experience that you will return and they will begin to be more comfortable with separations.

For children with separation anxiety disorder, however, the thought of you or another caregiver leaving them is so overwhelming that they will do whatever they can to avoid separation.

In order for SAD to be diagnosed, symptoms must be severe enough to interfere with a child’s daily functioning for at least four weeks. When a child starts to miss out on important things such as school and social activities to avoid a separation, it is considered to be SAD. SAD affects approximately 1% to 4% of children.

Adults can also have separation anxiety disorder (though there is more research on how the condition manifests in children). Adults with SAD must have disruptive symptoms that persist for at least six months.

Symptoms of SAD include:

In children, the attachment figure is most often the parent or caregiver; in adults, the attachment figure could be a parent, partner, or another loved one.

4 Types of Attachment Styles

How SAD Relates to Depression

SAD anddepressionactually share many symptoms. When a child or adult with SAD refuses to engage in activities, they may end up socially isolating themselves—a common sign of depression and anxiety disorders alike.

In addition, both SAD and depression may cause physical complaints such as a headache, bellyache, and general pain.SAD and depression may causesleep problems.People with SAD and people with depression often struggle withrumination on negative thoughts; for people with SAD, these thoughts tend to revolve around something bad happening to their attachment figure.

It’s also worth noting that anxiety disorders and depressive disorders are commonly comorbid with each other, meaning people often have co-occurringdepression and anxiety.If separation anxiety disorder isn’t addressed in children, it can potentially lead to other mental health disorders later in life.

Research indicates a link between adult separation anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder (MDD). One study found that 41% of adults with MDD in an outpatient psychiatric service also had SAD. Of those with both MDD and SAD, 75% developed SAD as adults.

Given the connection between SAD and depression, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of both disorders and to seek out early treatment for your child or for yourself if you are experiencing SAD as an adult.

What Parents Can Do for Children With SAD

Keep an eye out for additional signs of depression in children, includingunexplained crying, feeling misunderstood,withdrawing from family or peers, losing interest in things of former interest, sleeping difficulties,appetite changesand/or weight changes, difficulty concentrating and making decisions, and thoughts oractions of self-harm.

Talk to Your Child

Try talking to your child when they are at an age-appropriate level. Find out what they are scared of and why they don’t want to leave you. What you hear may surprise you. Your child may have a simple complaint, which you can easily remedy. If it is something more serious (they are worried they will never see you again, for instance), it’s best to consult a pediatrician.

A recent tragic event, such as an earthquake or thedeath of a loved one, may temporarily disrupt your child’s sense of security. In this case, providing your child with some extra attention may ease theiranxiety.

Prepare Your Child

Prepare them for an upcoming event or separation. Explaining what will be happening, who will be there, how long they will be away from you, and how they can reach you may help them feel more comfortable with separation.

If your efforts, support, and compassion do not seem to be helping your child adjust to even short separations, try talking to a doctor about their symptoms.

If you notice any symptoms of depression in your child, it is important to seek help. Depression is associated with serious short- and long-term consequences such aspoor self-esteem, poor academic performance,substance use disorders, and suicidal thoughts and behavior.

If your child is having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If your child is having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

Talk to a Mental Health Professional

If your child’s symptoms are persistent,cognitive behavioral therapy(CBT) is the first line of treatment for SAD. A therapist can help your child learnhealthy coping mechanismsto handle their anxiety. SAD can result fromtrauma, such as losing a family member; a therapist can work with your child to address fears that stem from any traumatic incidents.

For severe symptoms, children are sometimes prescribed an antidepressant such as aselective serotonin reuptake inhibitor(SSRI). However, antidepressants are not approved for children under six years old.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is also recommended for adults with SAD. A therapist can help you understand the underlying thoughts and beliefs that contribute to your anxiety. Similar to treatment for children with SAD, a therapist will teach you healthy coping mechanisms.

Both children and adults can develop SAD as a result of a traumatic experience; a therapist can help you address any past incidents that contribute to your separation anxiety disorder.

A Word From Verywell

Remember, your child may go through phases when they are more in need of your attention and love, especially during times of significant stress or tragedy. However, it is best to check with a physician if you have any concerns about your child’s behavior.

In addition, if you are an adult and you have symptoms of SAD, be sure to talk to a doctor or mental health professional about your concerns. There are resources that can help you feel more comfortable and at ease when away from your loved one.

12 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.U.S. National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus.Separation anxiety in children.Patel AK, Bryant B.Separation anxiety disorder.JAMA.2021;326(18):1880. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.17269Cooper-Vince CE, Emmert-Aronson BO, Pincus DB, Comer JS.The diagnostic utility of separation anxiety disorder symptoms: an item response theory analysis.J Abnorm Child Psychol. 2014;42(3):417–428. doi:10.1007/s10802-013-9788-yRobb CE, de Jager CA, Ahmadi-Abhari S, et al.Associations of social isolation with anxiety and depression during the early COVID-19 pandemic: A survey of older adults in London, UK.Front Psychiatry.2020;11. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2020.591120de Heer EW, Gerrits MMJG, Beekman ATF, et al.The association of depression and anxiety with pain: A study from NESDA.PLoS ONE.2014;9(10):e106907. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0106907Oh CM, Kim HY, Na HK, Cho KH, Chu MK.The effect of anxiety and depression on sleep quality of individuals with high risk for insomnia: A population-based study.Front Neurol.2019;10. doi:10.3389/fneur.2019.00849Sun H, Tan Q, Fan G. et al.Different effects of rumination on depression: key role of hope.Int J Ment Health Syst.2014;8:53. doi:10.1186/1752-4458-8-53Kalin NH.The critical relationship between anxiety and depression.AJP.2020;177(5):365-367. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.2020.20030305Elbay RY, Görmez A, Kılıç A, Avcı SH.Separation anxiety disorder among outpatients with major depressive disorder: Prevalence and clinical correlates.Comprehensive Psychiatry.2021;105:152219. doi:10.1016/j.comppsych.2020.152219Gledhill J, Hodes M.Management of depression in children and adolescents.Prog Neurol Psychiatry. 2015;19(2):28-33. doi:10.1002/pnp.375Stanford Children’s Health.Separation anxiety disorder in children.Bernaras E, Jaureguizar J, Garaigordobil M.Child and adolescent depression: A review of theories, evaluation instruments, prevention programs, and treatments.Front Psychol. 2019;10:543. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00543Additional ReadingParenting Q&A: Separation Anxiety. American Academy of Pediatrics.

12 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.U.S. National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus.Separation anxiety in children.Patel AK, Bryant B.Separation anxiety disorder.JAMA.2021;326(18):1880. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.17269Cooper-Vince CE, Emmert-Aronson BO, Pincus DB, Comer JS.The diagnostic utility of separation anxiety disorder symptoms: an item response theory analysis.J Abnorm Child Psychol. 2014;42(3):417–428. doi:10.1007/s10802-013-9788-yRobb CE, de Jager CA, Ahmadi-Abhari S, et al.Associations of social isolation with anxiety and depression during the early COVID-19 pandemic: A survey of older adults in London, UK.Front Psychiatry.2020;11. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2020.591120de Heer EW, Gerrits MMJG, Beekman ATF, et al.The association of depression and anxiety with pain: A study from NESDA.PLoS ONE.2014;9(10):e106907. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0106907Oh CM, Kim HY, Na HK, Cho KH, Chu MK.The effect of anxiety and depression on sleep quality of individuals with high risk for insomnia: A population-based study.Front Neurol.2019;10. doi:10.3389/fneur.2019.00849Sun H, Tan Q, Fan G. et al.Different effects of rumination on depression: key role of hope.Int J Ment Health Syst.2014;8:53. doi:10.1186/1752-4458-8-53Kalin NH.The critical relationship between anxiety and depression.AJP.2020;177(5):365-367. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.2020.20030305Elbay RY, Görmez A, Kılıç A, Avcı SH.Separation anxiety disorder among outpatients with major depressive disorder: Prevalence and clinical correlates.Comprehensive Psychiatry.2021;105:152219. doi:10.1016/j.comppsych.2020.152219Gledhill J, Hodes M.Management of depression in children and adolescents.Prog Neurol Psychiatry. 2015;19(2):28-33. doi:10.1002/pnp.375Stanford Children’s Health.Separation anxiety disorder in children.Bernaras E, Jaureguizar J, Garaigordobil M.Child and adolescent depression: A review of theories, evaluation instruments, prevention programs, and treatments.Front Psychol. 2019;10:543. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00543Additional ReadingParenting Q&A: Separation Anxiety. American Academy of Pediatrics.

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

U.S. National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus.Separation anxiety in children.Patel AK, Bryant B.Separation anxiety disorder.JAMA.2021;326(18):1880. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.17269Cooper-Vince CE, Emmert-Aronson BO, Pincus DB, Comer JS.The diagnostic utility of separation anxiety disorder symptoms: an item response theory analysis.J Abnorm Child Psychol. 2014;42(3):417–428. doi:10.1007/s10802-013-9788-yRobb CE, de Jager CA, Ahmadi-Abhari S, et al.Associations of social isolation with anxiety and depression during the early COVID-19 pandemic: A survey of older adults in London, UK.Front Psychiatry.2020;11. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2020.591120de Heer EW, Gerrits MMJG, Beekman ATF, et al.The association of depression and anxiety with pain: A study from NESDA.PLoS ONE.2014;9(10):e106907. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0106907Oh CM, Kim HY, Na HK, Cho KH, Chu MK.The effect of anxiety and depression on sleep quality of individuals with high risk for insomnia: A population-based study.Front Neurol.2019;10. doi:10.3389/fneur.2019.00849Sun H, Tan Q, Fan G. et al.Different effects of rumination on depression: key role of hope.Int J Ment Health Syst.2014;8:53. doi:10.1186/1752-4458-8-53Kalin NH.The critical relationship between anxiety and depression.AJP.2020;177(5):365-367. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.2020.20030305Elbay RY, Görmez A, Kılıç A, Avcı SH.Separation anxiety disorder among outpatients with major depressive disorder: Prevalence and clinical correlates.Comprehensive Psychiatry.2021;105:152219. doi:10.1016/j.comppsych.2020.152219Gledhill J, Hodes M.Management of depression in children and adolescents.Prog Neurol Psychiatry. 2015;19(2):28-33. doi:10.1002/pnp.375Stanford Children’s Health.Separation anxiety disorder in children.Bernaras E, Jaureguizar J, Garaigordobil M.Child and adolescent depression: A review of theories, evaluation instruments, prevention programs, and treatments.Front Psychol. 2019;10:543. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00543

U.S. National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus.Separation anxiety in children.

Patel AK, Bryant B.Separation anxiety disorder.JAMA.2021;326(18):1880. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.17269

Cooper-Vince CE, Emmert-Aronson BO, Pincus DB, Comer JS.The diagnostic utility of separation anxiety disorder symptoms: an item response theory analysis.J Abnorm Child Psychol. 2014;42(3):417–428. doi:10.1007/s10802-013-9788-y

Robb CE, de Jager CA, Ahmadi-Abhari S, et al.Associations of social isolation with anxiety and depression during the early COVID-19 pandemic: A survey of older adults in London, UK.Front Psychiatry.2020;11. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2020.591120

de Heer EW, Gerrits MMJG, Beekman ATF, et al.The association of depression and anxiety with pain: A study from NESDA.PLoS ONE.2014;9(10):e106907. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0106907

Oh CM, Kim HY, Na HK, Cho KH, Chu MK.The effect of anxiety and depression on sleep quality of individuals with high risk for insomnia: A population-based study.Front Neurol.2019;10. doi:10.3389/fneur.2019.00849

Sun H, Tan Q, Fan G. et al.Different effects of rumination on depression: key role of hope.Int J Ment Health Syst.2014;8:53. doi:10.1186/1752-4458-8-53

Kalin NH.The critical relationship between anxiety and depression.AJP.2020;177(5):365-367. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.2020.20030305

Elbay RY, Görmez A, Kılıç A, Avcı SH.Separation anxiety disorder among outpatients with major depressive disorder: Prevalence and clinical correlates.Comprehensive Psychiatry.2021;105:152219. doi:10.1016/j.comppsych.2020.152219

Gledhill J, Hodes M.Management of depression in children and adolescents.Prog Neurol Psychiatry. 2015;19(2):28-33. doi:10.1002/pnp.375

Stanford Children’s Health.Separation anxiety disorder in children.

Bernaras E, Jaureguizar J, Garaigordobil M.Child and adolescent depression: A review of theories, evaluation instruments, prevention programs, and treatments.Front Psychol. 2019;10:543. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00543

Parenting Q&A: Separation Anxiety. American Academy of Pediatrics.

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