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The separation of adult separation anxiety disorder

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 August 2016

David S. Baldwin ,
Robert Gordon ,
Marianna Abelli  and
Stefano Pini
David S. Baldwin
Affiliation:
Clinical and Experimental Sciences Academic Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
Robert Gordon*
Affiliation:
Clinical and Experimental Sciences Academic Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
Marianna Abelli
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
Stefano Pini
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
*
*Address for correspondence: Robert Gordon, University Department of Psychiatry, University of Southampton, College Keep, 4-12 Terminus Terrace, Southampton, SO14 3DT, UK. (Email: [email protected])
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Abstract

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) categorization of mental disorders places “separation anxiety disorder” within the broad group of anxiety disorders, and its diagnosis no longer rests on establishing an onset during childhood or adolescence. In previous editions of DSM, it was included within the disorders usually first diagnosed in infancy, childhood, or adolescence, with the requirement for an onset of symptoms before the age of 18 years: symptomatic adults could only receive a retrospective diagnosis, based on establishing this early onset. The new position of separation anxiety disorder is based upon the findings of epidemiological studies that revealed the unexpectedly high prevalence of the condition in adults, often in individuals with an onset of symptoms after the teenage years; its prominent place within the DSM-5 group of anxiety disorders should encourage further research into its epidemiology, etiology, and treatment. This review examines the clinical features and boundaries of the condition, and offers guidance on how it can be distinguished from other anxiety disorders and other mental disorders in which “separation anxiety” may be apparent.

Keywords

attachmentcomorbidityepidemiologypsychopathologyseparation anxiety disorder
Type
Review Articles
Information
CNS Spectrums , Volume 21 , Special Issue 4: Nosology in DSM5 vs. ICD , August 2016 , pp. 289 - 294
Copyright
© Cambridge University Press 2016 

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Footnotes

RG is supported by the NIHR Clinical Academic Fellow training programme and by the Research Management Committee of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Southampton. Secretarial support was provided by Magda Nowak, herself supported by the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology Network Initiative (ECNP-NI).

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