The separation Anxiety Disorder: Characteristics, Etiology and Treatment Methods

Background: The purpose of the present study was to identify the most recent features and therapeutic approaches for separation anxiety disorder in children through systematic review of scientific resources. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that, after decades of recognition and introduction of separation anxiety disorder, this disorder is still considered as one of the most common anxiety disorders in pediatric psychopathology of children. The results also indicated that the occurrence of anxiety in the child separation situations from the parent or the home is recognized as the most important feature of the disorder and the combination of genetic, environmental and family factors in its ancillary affects. In addition, the results showed that the most effective treatments known for this disorder include cognitive-behavioral therapy, family therapies, play therapy and drug therapy. In this regard, parenting, educators and teachers are important in the treatment process.