Although it’s often thought of as a childhood condition, Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD) can also affect adults—and it’s more common than many realize. Adults with this mental disorder experience intense fear or distress when separated from a person, place, or source of emotional security. This persistent anxiety can interfere with relationships, work, travel, and daily functioning.
Unlike temporary worry or mild homesickness, separation anxiety in adults involves chronic, overwhelming fear of being apart, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as nausea, tension, or rapid heartbeat. Many individuals with this condition recognize that their fear is excessive, yet feel unable to control it.
At Aliya Mental Health, we understand how deeply this form of anxiety and depressive disorder can affect your quality of life. Our experienced clinicians use outcome-based treatments for anxiety and talking therapy approaches to help adults build emotional resilience and regain independence.
What Causes Separation Anxiety?
For adults, separation anxiety can manifest in subtle or disruptive ways. Common symptoms of anxiety linked to SAD include:
- Intense fear or panic when separated from a significant person or familiar environment
- Excessive worry about harm or loss occurring during time apart
- Avoidance of work trips, social events, or independent activities
- Physical discomfort—such as headaches, stomach pain, or muscle tension—when anticipating separation
- Difficulty sleeping alone or needing constant reassurance of safety
- Recurrent nightmares involving separation or abandonment
If these symptoms persist for six months or longer and disrupt daily life, it may indicate Separation Anxiety Disorder in adults.
Causes and Risk Factors
Like other types of anxiety disorders, Separation Anxiety Disorder often arises from a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental influences. Common factors include:
- Early attachment issues: Insecure attachment or trauma during childhood may contribute to adult separation anxiety.
- Life transitions: Divorce, bereavement, or moving away from a support system can trigger anxiety symptoms.
- Genetic vulnerability: A family history of depression or anxiety increases risk.
- Co-occurring conditions: Many people with depression, panic disorder, or persistent anxiety also experience separation-related fears.
- Stressful experiences: Chronic stress or trauma may sensitize the nervous system and heighten separation distress.
Understanding these underlying causes helps clinicians design a targeted treatment of anxiety disorders plan that promotes lasting healing.
Treatment for Separation Anxiety Disorder at Aliya Mental Health
At Aliya Mental Health, we specialize in treating adults with anxiety and depressive disorders, including Separation Anxiety Disorder. Our team uses an integrative approach to help each patient achieve long-term recovery through therapy, medication, and lifestyle support.
Outcome-Drive Therapies
Our treatments for anxiety are grounded in proven modalities such as:
Our clinicians monitor treatment closely to minimize any adverse effect and ensure that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or other reuptake inhibitors are prescribed safely and effectively as part of a personalized care plan.
Why Treatment Matters
Without treatment, adult separation anxiety can worsen over time, leading to isolation, depression and anxiety, and difficulty functioning independently. But with the right support, it is possible to regain a sense of confidence, stability, and peace of mind.
At Aliya Mental Health, we believe that recovery begins with understanding and connection. Through structured talking therapy, personalized care, and holistic treatment, adults can overcome the fears that hold them back and experience freedom from this persistent mental illness.
Take the First Step Toward Healing
If separation anxiety has begun to limit your independence or cause emotional distress, help is available. Aliya Mental Health offers comprehensive anxiety treatment for adults aged 18 and older—combining therapy, medication management, and compassionate support to help you thrive.
Contact us today to learn more about our treatment of anxiety and depressive disorders and take the first step toward lasting relief and emotional stability.