Separation Anxiety Disorder: Reviewing the Causes, Risk Factors, and Effective Treatments across the Lifespan

Abstract

Separation anxiety is one of the most commonly occurring forms of anxiety across the age groups. Although it is a healthy emotion to experience, it could lead to the development of separation anxiety disorder if not kept in check. The separation anxiety disorder may have a substantial influence on people of all ages and stages of life, leading to a large amount of damage in those who suffer from it. Let alone humans, even pets may suffer from separation anxiety. The purpose of this paper is to offer a thorough review of the research that has previously been conducted on separation anxiety, with a particular emphasis on the epidemiology, etiology, evaluation, and therapy of the illness. According to epidemiological research, separation anxiety is a common condition, with a lifetime prevalence rate of 7% among adults and up to 15% among children. Furthermore, the lifetime prevalence rate is highest among adults. Etiological research has found a variety of elements, including both genetic and environmental aspects that play a role in the development of separation anxiety. Examining the neurological processes that cause separation anxiety is one of the prospective paths that might be pursued in the course of future study. Additionally, there is a need to examine the influence that cultural and environmental variables have on the experience of separation anxiety, as well as a need to create preventative techniques that might reduce the likelihood of having this disease.