Adult separation anxiety often overlooked

Adult separation anxiety disorder is more common than you might believe, afflicting some 7% of the American population at some point in their lives, according to new study findings.

Katherine Shear, M.D., a professor of psychiatry at Columbia University and the lead investigator of the new study, finds the results unsurprising. She told Psychiatric News, “Our group in Pittsburgh, as well as colleagues in Australia and in Italy, has observed adult separation anxiety disorder in clinical populations for a number of years now. It is clear that this is an identifiable syndrome.”

The investigation conducted by Shear and colleagues appears to be the first to explore the prevalence of adult separation anxiety disorder in Americans. Data for the investigation were collected as part of the National Comorbidity Survey Replication.

Other notable insights in to the disorder have emerged from the study. For example, the prevalence of the disorder in America is even greater than that of childhood separation anxiety disorder, which is 4%. While some Americans with the adult version first experienced as children, most encountered it as grown men and women. Adult separation anxiety disorder (ASAD) often occurs along with other psychiatric conditions, especially other anxiety disorders or mood disorders.

ASAD is often linked to personal and social impairment – many adults with the disorder are poorly educated, unmarried and unemployed – even when other psychiatric illnesses are not present. And, while 75% of Americans with the condition are seeking and getting help, most are receiving treatment for comorbid conditions rather than separation anxiety itself.

Shear believes their findings have implications for psychiatrists, saying, “They need to be aware of the occurrence, prevalence, and comorbidities of this syndrome, which could be confused with agoraphobia and which could complicate another Axis I disorder, since it is co-occurring with so many. Following the principle of measurement-based care, it will be very important to follow these symptoms in patients who are treated for adult separation anxiety and/or co-occurring conditions.”

Shear et al say that even with the insights gained from this study, much more needs to be learned about ASAD.

For instance, researchers hope to learn when the dependence of family members or each other is culturally determined and acceptable, and when it is pathological. As well, there is a need to determine when the angst over separation from a loved one during war, natural disasters, or other dire circumstances is to be expected, and when it is not. As well, they ask, what are normal and abnormal responses to the loss of a loved one? Shear is exploring these issues in ongoing research.

© Copyright 2007 Insight Journal Online Magazine.

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