Funadvice Logo
+ List
More Health Questions

How to treat Separation anxiety Disorder in adults?

I’m wondering, if any of you have heard of Separation anxiety disorder in Adults Asad? I think I only have two of the symptoms such as extreme anxiety and fear when separated from major attachments. and, fears that harm will befall those close to them. My reasoning for asking this, is because I have a friend of mine that’s been there for me since we first met which was over two years ago. She is so special that when she comes over to help me with certain things like finances, I get in these random crying moods before she leaves sometimes. When I start crying, she can’t leave right away since this makes her feel bad and she starts worrying. She lives in the same town I moved to which is Mt. Pleasant Michigan. If I have the onset of Adult Separation anxiety disorder Asad, how would I treat it? Fortunately, I don’t have all the symptoms just the two I mentioned above. This person is one of my major attachments in my life since she has been there for me and so forth. She’s married and has 6 children who are grown and some of them are married and have children of their own. Since I’m 25, and this person is 65, that just shows how much of a mentor she has been. If you could give feedback, that would be great.

Become an Expert →
Answer #1

I’ve never heard of it in an adult. But I’d consider seeking therapy. The treatment is probably not much different from in children, basic CBT should work.

Also, she’s not helping by staying when you get anxious and start crying. It reinforces the anxiety (I.e. somewhere in your brain, when she stays, it says see, I knew there was something to worry about and if I become anxious and start to cry, then she wont leave me). Really, the only way to cure any sort of anxiety like this is exposure. But you probably want to deal with what is behind the anxiety as well. Which will take therapy.

More Like This
Ask an advisor one-on-one!
Advisor

Dr. David Shanley

Clinical Psychology, Mental Health Services, Anxiety Therapy

Advisor

Adult Home Attendant Services

Home Care Services, Adult Care Services, Attendant Services

Advisor

Winnipeg Anxiety Clinic

Anxiety Therapy, Counselling Services, Mental Health Treatment

Advisor

Adult Home Attendant Services

Healthcare Services, Home Care Services, Adult Care Services

Advisor

The Mind Treat

Health & Wellness, Education, Science & Technology