How is Separation Anxiety Disorder diagnosed in adults?

• A. Excessive fear or anxiety about separation from attachment figures causing distress and impairment for at least 6 months.
• B. Separation anxiety is only observed in childhood.
• C. Separation anxiety requires daily panic attacks.
• D. Separation anxiety is fear of separation from pets.

Answer: (A)

Separation Anxiety Disorder in adults is diagnosed when there is excessive fear or anxiety about being separated from major attachment figures (such as a partner, family member, or caregiver) that leads to noticeable distress or impairment in daily functioning, and this pattern lasts for at least six months. The important points are that the fear is out of proportion to the situation, it causes meaningful problems in living, and the duration meets the six‑month threshold for adults. It can begin in childhood or emerge in adulthood, but the six-month duration is the key criterion for adults. Daily panic attacks are not required, and the condition is not simply fear of separation from pets; the focus is on separation from people who provide attachment and security.