Understanding Separation Anxiety Disorder: Causes & Triggers

According to the University of Virginia Medical Center, separation anxiety disorder is when a person experiences excessive fear and worry about being away from loved ones or individuals to whom one is most attached. It is most common for children to experience separation anxiety disorders, and there are various causes that may trigger this anxiety disorder.

Life Changes

• According to HealthSquare.com, separation anxiety disorder can be triggered in people, especially children, who have experienced a major life change, whether it be a good change or a bad change. Some examples of life changes include moving, changing schools or divorce.

Chemical Imbalance

• According to the University of Virginia Medical Center, a cause of separation anxiety may involve two chemicals, norepinephrine and serotonin, in the brain that are imbalanced.

Genetics

• One cause of separation anxiety may simply be genetics, according to the University of Virginia Medical Center. A person suffering from separation anxiety disorder may have inherited a biological tendency to be anxious.

Traumatic Experience

• Separation anxiety disorder may be triggered in an individual by a traumatic life event. Death of a loved one or hospitalization are examples of traumatic experiences, according to HealthSquare.com.

Personality Traits

• People who tend to have anxious, shy or fearful personalities are the most common candidates to have separation anxiety disorder, according to HealthSquare.com.