Separation Anxiety (Causes)

Though the cause of separation anxiety disorder is unknown, some risk factors have been identified. Affected children tend to come from families that are very close-knit. The disorder might develop after a stress such as moving or a death in the family, or in certain, cases, a trauma (such as physical or sexual assault) might bring on the disorder. It sometimes runs in families, but the precise role of genetic and environmental factors has not been established.

To resolve the feelings of separation anxiety, a child must develop an adequate sense of safety in the environment, as well as trust in people other than their parents, and trust in the parent's return.

Even after children have successfully mastered this developmental stage, separation anxiety may return during periods of stress. Most children will experience some degree of separation anxiety when in unfamiliar situations, for example if the child is in a hospital without parents, these symptoms are likely to return.