Separation anxiety in young adults: A preliminary examination

Abstract

In this study, the presence of Separation Anxiety Disorder among college students was explored. Using structured questionnaires to measure anxiety and affective disorders in childhood and adulthood, three groups of students were identified: a group who reported meeting diagnostic criteria for current SAD, a group who reported meeting diagnostic criteria for past childhood anxiety disorders but not current SAD (diagnostic controls), and a group who did not meet diagnostic criteria for any past or current psychiatric disorder (normal controls). Results indicated that the SAD group evinced more adjustment problems than the diagnostic or normal comparison groups. The implications of these findings for SAD in young adults are discussed.