Separation anxiety disorder (or simply separation anxiety) is a psychological condition in which an individual has excessive anxiety regarding separation from home, or from those with whom the individual has a strong attachment. Separation anxiety is often characterized by some of the following symptoms:
Recurring distress when separation from home or subject of attachment occurs or is anticipated
Persistent, excessive worry about losing subject of attachment
Persistent, excessive worry that some event will lead to separation from a major attachment figure
Continuing reluctance or refusal to go to school or elsewhere because of fear of separation
Excessive fear about being alone without subject of attachment
Persistent reluctance or refusal to go to sleep without being near a major attachment figure or to sleep away from home
Recurrent nightmares about separation
Repeated complaints of physical symptoms when separation is imminent.