Get a Grip: Living with Separation Anxiety Disorder

Separation anxiety disorder (SAD) is a serious condition that affects young children, teenagers, and adults alike. This disorder causes intense fear of being separated from one’s parents or loved ones and can severely disrupt one’s life, making it difficult to attend school or work, or keep up good relationships with friends and family. What is Separation Anxiety Disorder? Separation anxiety disorder (SAD) is the most common anxiety disorder among children, adolescents, and adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 3.5% of school-aged children experience it in any given year and 17% will experience SAD at some point during their lifetime. SAD can happen when your brain begins to associate places or events with being separated from someone or something you love or cherish. What Causes Separation Anxiety? It's normal to experience some anxiety when you're apart from the person you love. However, if it gets out of control and interferes wi...