Is Adult Separation Anxiety Distinct from Panic and Agoraphobia?

Separation anxiety disorder was previously thought to be confined to childhood, with links in adulthood to panic disorder, but adult onset of separation anxiety disorder is now known to occur. Researchers in Italy used standardized rating scales and diagnostic interviews of 141 adults with panic disorder to determine the relationship of separation anxiety disorder to panic disorder and the role of the insecure attachment style once thought to be the hallmark of separation anxiety.

There were 70 patients (49.5%) with separation anxiety disorder, of whom 32 (46.5%) had adult onset. Compared with the 71 patients without separation anxiety disorder, those with the disorder were significantly more likely to have agoraphobia, earlier onset of agor…