Separation Anxiety Treatment

The child or adolescent and his or her family, school staff, and primary care physician should work together to design a plan to accomplish a gradual return to developmentally expected function in settings such as school, sports, and social events. The level of distress that the child or adolescent feels is important to acknowledge. Utilizing positive reinforcement aids in encouraging the child's return to the feared situation and becoming comfortable with anticipated brief separations from parents and caregivers.

Cognitive-behavior therapy, specifically desensitization, has been shown to be effective, especially in helping the child or adolescent return to normal daily function.

Antianxiety medications may be effective but are not US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved for persons younger than 18 years.