Separation Anxiety Symptom Inventory Research Articles

Impact of Childhood Trauma and Adult Separation Anxiety Disorder on Quality of Life in Individuals with Schizophrenia.

Childhood trauma and anxiety disorders are common in individuals with schizophrenia. This study aimed to investigate the effects of childhood trauma and adult separation anxiety disorder on the quality of life of individuals with schizophrenia. This cross-sectional study included 111 individuals with schizophrenia and 85 control subjects. The separation anxiety symptom inventory (SASI), adult separation anxiety questionnaire (ASAQ), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), childhood trauma questionnaire (CTQ), and World Health Organization quality of life questionnaire (WHOQoL-BREF) were administered to the participants. More individuals with schizophrenia than control subjects were unemployed and single (p<0.05). Individuals with schizophrenia scored significantly higher on the SASI, ASAQ, and CTQ (p<0.05), whereas the control subjects scored significantly higher on the WHOQoL-BREF (p<0.05). ASAQ scores had mild positive correlations with total PANSS and PANSS subscale scores, and moderate positive correlations with total CTQ, CTQ emotional subscale scores, and CTQ physical abuse subscale scores. A negative moderate correlation was found between ASAQ and total WHOQoL-BREF scores. Mediation analysis revealed that CTQ scores significantly affected total WHOQoL-BREF and ASAQ scores. The model pathway for ASAQ scores showed a significant direct and indirect effect of CTQ on the total WHOQoL-BREF scores. Childhood trauma predicts adult separation anxiety disorder, which partially mediates the impact of childhood trauma on quality of life in individuals with schizophrenia. Therapeutic interventions for adult separation anxiety disorder in individuals with schizophrenia and a history of childhood trauma may help increase their quality of life.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EARLY MALADAPTIVE SCHEMAS, SEPARATION ANXIETY AND EMERGING ADULT INDIVIDUATION LEVEL

The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between early maladaptive schemas, individuation, childhood and adulthood separation anxiety. The sample of the study was consisted of 400 emerging adults, 265 (66.3%) women and 135 (33.8%) men, and determined according to the definition of emerging adulthood so the ages of partipants are between 18-25. Sociodemographic Information Form, Young Schema Questionnaire-Short Form 3 (YSQ-SF3), Separation Anxiety Symptom Inventory (SASI), Adult Separation Anxiety Questionnaire (ASAQ) were given to the participants. The data obtained from the scales were analyzed using Pearson Correlation Analysis and Multiple Linear Regression Analysis Stepwise Method. As a result of the study findings, all schema domains were found to be associated with separation anxiety in both childhood and adulthood. It was determined that childhood separation anxiety predicted adult separation anxiety (R=71, R2=.50, p

Separation Anxiety Disorder in Panic Disorder Patients with and without Comorbid Agoraphobia

Objective: Previous studies have focused on the relationship between childhood separation anxiety disorder (SAD) and adult panic disorder (PD)-agoraphobia. It is not clear enough whether SAD, which continues into adulthood, is associated with PD with and without comorbid agoraphobia in adult patients. Our primary hypothesis was that PD patients with comorbid agoraphobia had a higher rate of SAD that continues into adulthood than those without agoraphobia. We also hypothesized that adulthood SAD symptoms were more likely to be associated with PD-agoraphobia than PD without agoraphobia. Method: 151 patients who were diagnosed with PD with (n = 106), and without comorbid agoraphobia (n = 45) were compared using Panic and Agoraphobia Scale, Structured Clinical Interview for Separation Anxiety Symptoms, Separation Anxiety Symptom Inventory, Adult Separation Anxiety Questionnaire, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. We performed Student’s t-test, Pearson correlation test, and multiple linear regression analysis in this study. Results: PD patients with comorbid agoraphobia were more likely to have SAD both in childhood and adulthood (p = .028), than those without agoraphobia. There were mild to moderate significant correlations between PD severity and state anxiety (p = .002), trait anxiety (p = .006), and SAD in childhood (p = .049), and in adulthood (p = .001). SAD in adulthood (β = 0.278, Exp(B) = 0.136, p = .003), and state anxiety (β = 0.236, Exp(B) = 0.164, p = .012) significantly predicted the severity of PD in patients with comorbid agoraphobia. Conclusion: SAD that continues in adulthood may be related to the severity of PD in patients with agoraphobia. Our findings might provide some evidence of the role of SAD in adulthood in patients with adult-onset PD-agoraphobia.

Separation anxiety disorder among outpatients with major depressive disorder: Prevalence and clinical correlates

Prior studies have reported that separation anxiety disorder (SEPAD) can continue into or may begin in adulthood. Association of SEPAD with other psychiatric disorders has been frequently examined, and high rates of comorbidities have been found. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and clinical correlation of SEPAD in adult patients undergoing treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD). The study sample was comprised of 100 outpatients. Participants underwent a DSM-5-based comprehensive assessment. Purposefully-designed semi-structured sociodemographic information and illness history forms were filled out by the researchers, and diagnoses of SEPAD were made using the Structured Clinical Interview for Separation Anxiety Symptoms, Separation Anxiety Symptom Inventory and Adult Separation Anxiety Survey. The frequency of SEPAD was 41% in patients with MDD, three-quarters of whom were adult onset. The use of new-generation antidepressants, adjunctive medications and comorbidity of other anxiety disorders were higher in patients with SEPAD (p < 0.05). SEPAD was highly prevalent, with a majority of cases starting in adulthood among patients with MDD, while SEPAD comorbidity was associated with high levels of anxiety and an increased likelihood of suboptimal response to usual depression treatment. Further studies are required to define the relevance and pathological basis for the comorbidity of SEPAD in people with MDD.

Associations between Pretend Play, Psychological Functioning and Coping Strategies in Pediatric Chronic Diseases: A Cross-Illness Study.

Children with chronic illnesses are called to undertake complicated processes of adjustment and re-organization in their daily lives; as a result, they could experience several internalizing problems. Symbolic play could be a useful way to cope with these difficulties. The main aim of this paper is to assess pretend play, coping, and psychological symptoms in three groups of school-aged children with pediatric chronic diseases. The study involved 44 Italian school-aged, chronically ill children: 16 with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), 12 with cystic fibrosis (CF), and 15 with Leukemia. All patients were assessed by the Affect in Play Scale–Brief version (APS-Br), and the Children’s Coping Strategies Checklist–Revision1 (CCSC-R1). Children with T1DM and CF also completed the Separation Anxiety Symptom Inventory for Children (SASI-C) and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ)–children’s version. Cohen’s d (effect size) was applied between clinical and normative samples, and it showed a more organized play (APS-BR), but a more negative affect tone, comfort, and frequency of affect expression. Comparing APS-BR and CCSC-R1 rates between the three groups, significant differences were found for all the APS-BR dimensions, except for tone, and for CCSC-R1 seeking understanding. Comparing SASI-C score between T1DM and CF, higher scores were found for children with CF. In the end, correlations between all dimensions highlighted several relationships between play, coping, and adjustment problems for children with T1DM, and relationship between affect play and all variables for children with CF. Symbolic play helps chronically ill children to express emotions; helping them, as well as clinicians, to understand the difficulties caused by chronic conditions, and to cope with them.

Which factors may differentiate lifetime suicide attempters from ideators in obsessive-compulsive disorder patients?

Background:The causes underlying suicidal behaviour in patients with obsessive-compulsive (OCD) are not fully understood.Aim:In this study, we examined whether lifetime suicide attempt (SA), and suicide ideation (SI) was associated with affective temperaments, impulsivity, childhood traumatic events or separation anxiety.Methods:We compared OCD patients with lifetime SA (Group 1; n=25), lifetime suicide ideation (SI) (Group 2; n=62), and without lifetime SI and SA (Group 3; n=73) through Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (BSSI), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire Questionnaire (CTQ-SF), Separation Anxiety Symptom Inventory (SASI), Baratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11), Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego (TEMPS-A), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI).Results:Post hoc tests showed that educational level was significantly lower in Group 1 than in both Group 2 and 3. Childhood abuse were significantly higher in attempters than ideators, and non-suicidal patients. The depressive, cyclothymic, and anxious temperaments were significantly higher in attempters and ideators compared to control subjects. The aggressive obsessions (p=0.002), childhood abuse history (p=0.009), lifetime major depression (p=0.017), and lower educational levels (p=0.006) strongly predicted the increased risk of lifetime SA, compared to non-suicidal patients. Childhood abuse (p=0.022) was the most significant predictor of lifetime SA in OCD.Conclusion:We suggested that childhood abuse history emerged as the most significant variable that distinguished lifetime attempters from only ideators in OCD patients.

Adapting the Brief Coping Cat for Children with Anxiety to a Group Setting in the Spanish Public Mental Health System: a Hybrid Effectiveness-Implementation Pilot Study

Group therapy may offer a promising solution to reducing patient waiting lists for publicly funded mental health services. In this study, an individual brief cognitive behavioral therapy (BCBT) intervention was adapted for implementation in a group setting in the Spanish public mental health care system. The study was designed to test initial clinical effectiveness, acceptability, and feasibility of the group adaptation of BCBT for child anxiety. The study utilized an uncontrolled multiple-group design for 8 weeks (1 h per week). Inclusion criteria were (i) children and young adolescents between 8 and 15 years old, and (ii) a clinical diagnosis of general anxiety disorder, social phobia, and/or separation anxiety disorder. Five groups were completed (n = 33; mean age = 11 years; 42.4% females). A total of 31 (93.9%) participants completed at least 7 sessions, and follow-up data were collected for 84.9% (n = 28) of participants. Overall, anxiety symptoms were reduced after intervention on the Spence Children Anxiety Scale, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire-IV, Social Anxiety Scale for Children-Revised, and Separation Anxiety Symptom Inventory. Our findings suggest that group BCBT was associated with beneficial treatment outcomes, was acceptable and feasible for children with anxiety in the Spanish public mental health system. Both participants and their caregivers reported satisfaction and feelings of safety with the intervention. Results underscore the need for a larger-scale hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial of BCBT in a group setting throughout more community mental health centers in different Spanish states. Such work could improve patient access to and benefit from an evidence-based treatment that works in community settings.

The Psychometric Properties of the Adult Separation Anxiety Questionnaire among Students of University

Introduction: There is much evidence to show that separation anxiety can also occur in adults. The aim of current study was to examine the psychometric properties of adult separation anxiety questionnaire made by Manicavasagar , Silove ,Wagner and Drobny2003 (ASA -27). Materials & Methods: 400 students of Semnan University were selected by multistage cluster sampling method; they responded to the instruments of the study including adult separation anxiety questionnaire, Structured Clinical Interview for separation anxiety syndrome Adults and Separation Anxiety Symptom Inventory. Factor analysis, Cronbach's alpha coefficients and Pearson correlations methods were used for data analysis. Findings: Factor analysis and convergent validity methods were used to determine the construct validity of adult separation anxiety questionnaire (ASA-27). Results from factor analysis showed the adult separation anxiety questionnaire measure own factor. Result from Factor analysis showed that 5 questions (questions 1, 3, 13, 19 and 26) on adult separation anxiety factor loadings were less than 30/0; therefore they were excluded from the questionnaire. Also, results from convergent validity indicated a significant relationship between adult separation anxiety and symptoms of separation anxiety in childhood and adult separation anxiety symptoms in a structured clinical interview, there was a significant relationship. Reliability of the adult separation anxiety questionnaire (ASA-27) by Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0/89. The correlation between the two questionnaires (SCI- SAS) and (SASI) was 0/651(p less-than 0/001) and 0/588 (p less-than 0/001). Discussion & Conclusions: Persian version of adult separation anxiety questionnaire in students is of a good validity and reliability and it is an appropriate and practical instrument for the measurement of diagnosis of separation anxiety in adults.

Evaluation of the relationship between separation anxiety and functionality in patients with bipolar disorder

Objective: Our study was carried out to investigate the functional status of separation anxiety symptoms in bipolar disorder patients. Methods: A total of 104 patients, in the 18-65 age group, who were followed with bipolar disorder diagnosis at psychiatry policlinic of Derince Training and Research Hospital, were included into our study between the dates of September 2016 and May 2017. Interview form was used in collection of data along with the Separation Anxiety Symptom Inventory, Adult Separation Anxiety Questionnaire, Bipolar Disorder Functioning Questionnaire which were subjected to validity and reliability analysis previously. Data were evaluated with independent t test, Kruskal Wallis, Mann Whitney U, ANOVA and Pearson correlation tests. Results: In the study, %67.3 of the cases with Separation Anxiety Symptom Inventory score and %66.3 with Adult Separation Anxiety Questionnaire score were found high. There was a statistically significant negative correlation between the total scores of Separation Anxiety Symptom Inventory and Bipolar Disorder Functioning Questionnaire. There was a statistically significant negative correlation between the total scores of Adult Separation Anxiety Questionnaire and Bipolar Disorder Func-tioning Questionnaire and mental functionality, sexual functionality, domestic relations subscales of Bipolar Disorder Functioning Questionnaire. Conclusion: Our study found that anxiety symptoms in childhood or adulthood in bipolar disorder patients negatively affected many areas of functionality.

The relationship between childhood traumas and separation anxiety in adults

It is known that the negative life events experienced in childhood are related to depressive disorder and anxiety disorders in adult life. Adult separation anxiety is a relatively new diagnosis classified under the title of anxiety disorders in DSM-5. The aim of this study is to investigate the possible relationship between adult separation anxiety and traumatic experiences in childhood since childhood trauma has been associated with many anxiety disorders. The study included 119 female and 113 male participants. Only individuals aged 20 years and older and who do not have a psychiatric illness history and mental limitations were included in the study. Sociodemographic Data Form, Separation Anxiety Symptom Inventory (SASI), Adult Separation Anxiety Questionnaire (ASAQ), and Childhood Trauma Scale (CTS) were given to the participants. The data were analyzed by using Independent Sample t Test, Multi-directional Variance Analysis and Tukey Test, Pearson Correlation Analysis and Chi-Square tests. A significant positive correlation was found between total score of ASAQ and Emotional Abuse, Emotional Neglect, Sexual Abuse, CTS total score. The presence of traumatic experiences in childhood was found to be associated with adult separation anxiety. However, more studies on this subject and follow-up studies with larger samples are needed.

Symptoms of swallowing anxiety in panic disorder patients and associated psychopathologic factors.

The aim of this study was to investigate symptoms of swallowing difficulty in Panic Disorder (PD) patients and the factors associated with these symptoms. In the pre-phase of the study, 22 PD patients who were treated in psychiatry outpatient clinics and who were found to have swallowing difficulty were evaluated. PD patients were asked to write about their thoughts, feelings and behaviors associated with swallowing difficulty. Later, these texts were examined and 41 expressions were identified in which patients described their swallowing difficulty. These expressions were evaluated by mental health workers in the field and twelve different swallowing difficulty items were defined. In the main phase of the study, 119 PD outpatients were evaluated using twelve different swallowing difficulty items and psychometric tests [Panic and Agoraphobia Scale (PAS), Separation Anxiety Symptom Inventory (SASI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-1/STAI-2)]. As a result of the validity and reliability analysis, a valid one-factor instrument with ten items was obtained. Cronbach's alpha value for this measurement tool was 0.89 and it was termed the "Swallowing Anxiety Scale (SAS)". It was found that SAS items "always" accompany PD patients at rates of 5-20.2%. According to hierarchical regression analysis, 35% of SAS scores were explained by PAS, SASI, STAI-2 and BDI scores. Swallowing difficulty items in PD patients involved anxious, phobic and somatic symptoms associated with swallowing. In addition, swallowing difficulty symptoms in PD patients can be confounded with eating disorder symptoms.

The prevalence of adult separation anxiety disorder in a clinical sample of patients with ADHD

Objective: Separation anxiety disorder (SAD) of adulthood was added to the group of anxiety disorders in the DSM-5. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) displays elevated comorbidity with anxiety disorders. Aims of the present study are to determine a) the prevalence of SAD in a clinical, adult sample with ADHD and b) the correlates of SAD comorbidity in adults with ADHD. Methods: DSM-IV Based Diagnostic and Evaluation Inventory for Adult ADD/ADHD to confirm ADD/ADHD diagnosis by the psychiatrist, Structured Clinical Interviews for the Symptoms of SAD (SCI-SAS), the Questionnaire for Adult SAD (A-SAQ), and the Inventory for Symptoms of SAD (SASI) were administered to ADHD patients and to the age, gender, marital status, and education-matched healthy controls. Results: Thirty adults with ADHD and 26 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. The ADHD group had significantly higher Adult Separation Anxiety Questionnaire (A-SAQ) and Separation Anxiety Symptom Inventory (SASI) scores than the control group. According to the Structured Clinical Interview for Separation Anxiety Symptoms (SCI-SAS), 53.3% of the ADHD group and 11.5% of the control group fulfilled the SAD criteria while 63.3% and 19.2%, respectively, fulfilled the childhood SAD criteria. Three patients with ADHD (10.0%) that did not fulfil the childhood SAD criteria had the diagnosis as adults, while six ADHD patients (20.0%) and four control patients (15.4%) had childhood SAD and recovered from it. Only one of the controls (3.9%) developed de novo SAD. We found significantly increased life-time, childhood, and adult prevalence of SAD in adult patients with ADHD. Conclusions: Due to the self- selected, clinical sample, this rate may not reflect the true population prevalence of SAD among Turkish adults; community studies evaluating SAD’s prevalence are needed.

Assessment of co-morbidity of adult separation anxiety in patients with bipolar disorder

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the co-morbidity of adult separation anxiety in bipolar patients and evaluate its effects on the course of disorder and functionality. Method: A total of 70 patients who have been regularly followed in the Bipolar Disorder Unit were included in the study. The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV – Axis I and Axis II disorders and demographic form were used. Separation anxiety was investigated by the Structured Clinical Interview for Separation Anxiety Symptoms (SCI-SAS) and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) was filled out by an interviewer. In addition, all patients completed the Bipolar Disorder Functioning Questionnaire (BDFQ), Separation Anxiety Symptom Inventory (SASI) and Adult Separation Anxiety Questionnaire (ASA). Results: The prevalence rate of co-morbid adult separation anxiety disorder (A-SepAD) was 54% (n = 38) in our sample. Age of onset was in adulthood among 36% of patients with a diagnosis of A-SepAD and the others (64%) were childhood-onset. Co-morbidity of personality disorders was more common in bipolar patients with childhood-onset separation anxiety disorder (C-SepAD). The lifetime prevalence of co-morbidity of specific phobias and number of suicide attempts were significantly higher in the group with A-SepAD. Functionality loss due to feeling of stigmatization was higher, and total functionality as measured by the BDFQ was found to be lower in bipolar patients with A-SepAD. Conclusion: The results of this study have shown that 54% of bipolar patients had a diagnosis of A-SepAD. A-SepAD seems to increase the number of suicide attempts and have negative effects on functionality. A-SepAD should be assessed in regular interviews of patients with bipolar disorder.

Possible Involvement of Avoidant Attachment Style in the Relations Between Adult IBS and Reported Separation Anxiety in Childhood.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in adults as well as separation anxiety disorder (SAD) and recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) in childhood are associated with anxiety and somatization. Our aim was to examine possible associations between IBS in adulthood and SAD in childhood. Patients with IBS and healthy subjects completed a demographic questionnaire, the Separation Anxiety Symptom Inventory (SASI), the Somatization Subscale of Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90-R), the Attachment Style Questionnaire, and a retrospective self-report questionnaire regarding RAP. Compared with controls, patients with IBS were characterized by an avoidant attachment style and scored higher on the SCL-90-R scale regarding the tendency to somatization (25.35 ± 7.47 versus16.50 ± 4.40, p < 0.001). More patients with IBS (25% versus 7.5%) reported RAP in childhood, but contrary to prediction, also had significantly lower SASI scores. Adults with IBS were characterized by somatization, insecure attachment style and recalled higher rates of RAP and surprisingly less symptoms of SAD in childhood. Based on these results, an etiological model for IBS is suggested, in which an avoidant attachment style and a tendency to somatization play an important role in the development of IBS. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Separation Distress in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Four iterative studies tested the hypothesis that separation distress is a significant component of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Separation distress and separation trauma were measured in nonclinical undergraduate university participants who scored at the high end of the spectrum of obsessionality and low mood; in patients clinically diagnosed with OCD and major depression disorder (MDD); and in control groups. The Meta-Cognitions Questionnaire, Padua Inventory, Major Depression Inventory, and Positive and Negative Affect Scales were used to distribute participants on spectrums of obsessionality and low mood (Studies 1 and 2) and classify them in terms of clinical OCD and MDD (Study 3). Participants were evaluated on measures of separation distress, using the Separation Anxiety Symptom Inventory, the Structured Clinical Interview for Separation Anxiety Symptoms, the Adult Separation Anxiety Checklist, and the Affective Neuroscience Personality Scales. To measure separation trauma, participants were asked to indicate whether they had been physically separated from their primary caregiver during specific time frames based on widely established work. Analyses confirmed that separation distress is strongly implicated in both OCD and MDD and that it accounts for the well-established comorbidity of these disorders. Chi-square contingency analysis indicated that OCD and/or MDD in adulthood are contingent upon early separation trauma.

Early Evidence for Factorial Structure of the Separation Anxiety Symptom Inventory in Italian Children

The aim of this study was to explore the internal consistency and confirm the factor structure of the separation anxiety symptom inventory for children (SASI-C) in a community sample of 329 Italian children, ages 6 to 10 years. A confirmatory factor analysis yielded two interpretable factors. Correlations between scores for the SASI-C and the Italian Fear Survey Schedule for Children were calculated to estimate convergent validity; medium effect sizes are hypothesized. Implications regarding the clinical utility of the SASI-C are discussed.

Temperament and character dimensions of patients with adult separation anxiety disorder

There is growing evidence suggesting that separation anxiety can occur in adults. We aimed to determine temperament and character dimensions in patients with adult separation anxiety disorder (ASAD) compared to patients with panic disorder (PD) and healthy subjects. The study sample included 77 outpatients with ASAD, 44 outpatients with a PD with or without agoraphobia diagnosis, and 35 healthy subjects. ASAD diagnoses were confirmed with Structured Clinical Interview for Separation Anxiety Symptoms. Other measures included Adulthood Separation Anxiety Checklist, Separation Anxiety Symptom Inventory, and Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI). Group comparisons according to presence or absence of PD comorbidity in ASAD were also done. Patients with ASAD scored higher in harm avoidance (HA) and scored lower in self-directedness (SD) compared to PD and control groups. Moreover, both PD patients and ASAD patients scored higher in RD, and self-transcendence dimensions than control subjects. All subscales of HA (anticipatory worry, fear of uncertainty, shyness, and fatigability) were significantly higher than controls. While HA scores were not different between ASAD and 'ASAD+PD' patients, HA levels of both groups were higher than PD alone and control groups. SD scores of patients with ASAD were lower than PD and control groups. Cross-sectional design and ASAD group have other anxiety disorders comorbidity which might affect the results. Similar to PD and other anxiety disorders HA and RD was higher, and SD was lower in patients with ASAD compared to healthy subjects. Observed TCI profile is related to the ASAD itself since depression comorbidity was controlled.

P-15 - Separation anxiety in gambling and alcoholism (SAGA): study design and preliminary datas

The aim of this pilot study is to assess, in a sample of patients with chemical (alcohol) and behavioural (gambling) dependence, the specifical association between core symptoms and Separation Anxiety Disorder, both in Childhood and in Adulthood. After a stabilization period of three months, outpatients with alcohol dependence (n = 30), patological gambling (n = 30) and a control group of anxiety disorders (n = 30) will be assessed with the following psychometric battery: • SCI-SAS (Structured Clinical Interview for Separation Anxiety) Child and Adult • SASI (Separation Anxiety Symptom Inventory) • ASA-27 (Adult Separation Anxiety Questionnaire) • TCI-R (Temperament anc Character Inventory Revised) • GAF (Global Assess of Functioning) • SCL-90-R (Symptom Checklist Revised) • SOGS (South Oaks Gambling Scale) • ADS (Alcohol Dependence Scale) • HAM-A (Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale) A preliminary analisys of collected datas (n = 33) shows a strong inter-reliability of the Separation Anxiety Scales (SCI-SAS, SASI and ASA-27) with a p = 0.001 and an association between levels of functioning (GAF) and ASA-27 and SASI scores (p = 0.010 and p = 0,001). It shows a statistical correlation between ASA-27 and TCI-R: inverse proportion with Self Directness (SD) (p = 0.004) and direct relation with Self Trascendency (ST) (p = 0.003). Even if the sample is still limited we found an interesting trend between Separation Anxiety symptoms, TCI-R dimensions and core symptoms of dependance. We should focus better, when the study will be over, on narrow and specific sub-analisys that should lead us to a better understanding of the disorders.

Évaluer l’anxiété de séparation de l’adolescent avec le Separation Anxiety Symptom Inventory (SASI). Adaptation et validation française

This article introduces the modalities of adaptation and validation of the Separation Anxiety Symptom Inventory (SASI) among adolescents. The inventory ADS, which is French translation, list 15 questions linked to separation anxiety. The sample consisted of 94 secondary professional pupils and in the majority of male. Factor analysis chosen to prove the validity of translation and to explore its structure allowed to clear four components. The comparison with initial factorial structure gives encouraging results. Total score shows a satisfactory heterogeneity, notably taken into account the number of items. This first use of the scale shows at the same time a clinical surface validity, and diagnostic interest to dispose of a tool such as SASI to explore a domain too often neglected by the practitioners. Another study with a sample more balanced as for gender is under way.

The prevalence and correlates of adult separation anxiety disorder in an anxiety clinic

BackgroundAdult separation anxiety disorder (ASAD) has been identified recently, but there is a paucity of data about its prevalence and associated characteristics amongst anxiety patients. This study assessed the prevalence and risk factor profile associated with ASAD in an anxiety clinic.MethodsClinical psychologists assigned 520 consecutive patients to DSM-IV adult anxiety subcategories using the SCID. We also measured demographic factors and reports of early separation anxiety (the Separation Anxiety Symptom Inventory and a retrospective diagnosis of childhood separation anxiety disorder). Other self-report measures included the Adult Separation Anxiety Symptom Questionnaire (ASA-27), the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scales (DASS-21), personality traits measured by the NEO PI-R and the Work and Social Adjustment Scale. These measures were included in three models examining for overall differences and then by gender: Model 1 compared the conventional SCID anxiety subtypes (excluding PTSD and OCD because of insufficient numbers); Model 2 divided the sample into those with and without ASAD; Model 3 compared those with ASAD with the individual anxiety subtypes in the residual group.ResultsPatients with ASAD had elevated early separation anxiety scores but this association was unique in females only. Except for social phobia in relation to some comparisons, those with ASAD recorded more severe symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress, higher neuroticism scores, and greater levels of disability.ConclusionsPatients with ASAD attending an anxiety clinic are highly symptomatic and disabled. The findings have implications for the classification, clinical identification and treatment of adult anxiety disorders.