Separation Anxiety Disorder
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Barkha ChikaraChief Medical Officer, MD (Psychiatry) from NIMHANS · Last reviewed October 2026Separation anxiety disorder is excessive fear or distress about being apart from home or the people you are attached to. It is normal in toddlers but becomes a disorder when it is too strong or lasts too long for the age, or when it appears in adults. It is treatable.
About 1 in 10 adults in India lives with a mental disorder (National Mental Health Survey, 2015-16). You are not alone.
At a glance
Common signs
- Excessive distress when separated from attachment figures
- Persistent worry about losing loved ones
- Refusal to go to school or leave home
- Nightmares about separation
How it is usually treated
- CBT for children and adults
- Family therapy
- Graded exposure
- Play therapy for young children
Where to start
A free pre-consultation call, then a video assessment with a psychiatrist. In danger? Call 112, or Tele-MANAS on 14416.
Book your free pre-consultation callRegistered clinicians: psychiatrists with their State Medical Council, psychologists with the Rehabilitation Council of India.
Signs
Tick any that feel familiar. This is not a diagnosis, only a clinician can assess you.
0 ticked. If these have been with you for a while, a free pre-consultation call is a good next step.
Book your free pre-consultation callHow people often describe it
- “I get very anxious when my loved one leaves”
- “My child cries and clings at drop-off”
- “I worry something bad will happen when we are apart”
- “I cannot sleep away from home”
People who live with separation anxiety disorder may also notice anxiety, panic attacks or school refusal. If any of these sound familiar, mention them to your clinician so your plan can cover them.
When to get help soon
Get help soon if a child is missing school regularly or distress is severe. Call Tele-MANAS on 14416 or 112 if anyone has thoughts of self-harm.
How it is diagnosed
A psychiatrist talks with the child and parents, or with the adult, about how long it has lasted (at least four weeks in children, six months in adults), what triggers it, and how it affects daily life.
Treatment and support
- CBT adapted for children or adults
- Graded practice of short separations
- Parent guidance on responding calmly and consistently
- Play-based therapy for younger children
- Working with the school
How Mindly helps
Mindly's psychiatrists work with the child and parents together, or with the adult, on a step-by-step plan. All care is online, by video.
Your first appointment
A psychiatrist asks what worries or fears show up, when, and what you avoid because of them, and rules out other causes.
Who is involved
Your psychiatrist can prescribe if medicine would help, and a clinical psychologist can teach skills such as CBT and exposure-based work.
Between sessions
You practise skills between sessions, and reviews look at what is getting easier.
What to expect
- Free pre-consultation callWe take your history and details, and match you with the right clinician.
- First consultationA video call in your language, with a clinician who already has your report.
- Your planYour clinician agrees a plan with you: therapy, medicine or both, as suits you.
- Follow-up reviewsRegular check-ins, and your plan is adjusted as you recover.
- Staying wellSupport to keep you well and catch early signs of a setback.
Every Mindly plan includes a second opinion from our Chief Medical Officer, a diagnosis-first approach and regular tracking of your recovery. How Mindly care works
Book your free pre-consultation callYour privacy and confidentiality. What you share with Mindly Health stays between you and your care team. Your conversations, reports and messages are treated as confidential and shared only with the team members involved in your care, apart from the limited cases where the law requires it or someone's safety is at serious risk. Read our Privacy Policy and your rights under the Mental Healthcare Act.
Common questions
Is separation anxiety normal in children?
In young children it is a normal stage. It needs help when it is too intense, lasts too long or stops school and daily life.
Can adults have it?
Yes. Adults can have intense fear about being apart from a partner, child or parent.
How can parents help?
Stay calm, keep goodbyes short and predictable, and avoid giving in to avoidance. A clinician can coach you.
Clinicians with a focus in this area
Dr. Samarth S ShettyPsychiatrist
Dr. Nevedita DasPsychiatrist - Telepsychiatry & Evidence-Based Care
Ms. Kamakshi SabharwalClinical Psychologist
Ms. Janvi KhokharClinical Psychologist
Dr. Pooja RaniPsychiatrist
Online care in your city
Every consultation is by video, from wherever you are. Choose your city to see how it works.