What disorder involves inappropriate fear related to separation from home or attachment figures?

Separation Anxiety Disorder is characterized by excessive anxiety or fear concerning separation from those to whom an individual is attached, such as parents or caregivers. This disorder is commonly observed in children but can also affect adolescents and adults. Individuals with Separation Anxiety Disorder may experience significant distress when anticipating or experiencing separation, leading to symptoms like persistent worry about losing attachment figures, nightmares about separation, or physical complaints when separation occurs or is anticipated.

The emphasis of this disorder is on the inappropriate fear specifically linked to the idea of being away from home or key attachment figures, distinguishing it from other anxiety disorders that involve different types of fear or anxiety, such as those related to social situations or generalized fear of being in public spaces. For example, Panic Disorder focuses on recurrent panic attacks that happen unexpectedly and are characterized by intense fear and physical symptoms. Social Anxiety Disorder centers on fear of social situations and being judged by others, and Agoraphobia involves anxiety about being in situations where escape may be difficult or help unavailable in the event of a panic attack or other anxiety-related symptoms. Each of these other disorders has its own specific focus and triggers, which do not align with the features of Separation Anxiety Disorder.