Separation Anxiety is developmentally inappropriate and excessive anxiety concerning separation from home or from those to whom the individual is attached, as evidenced by three (or more) of the following:

• Recurrent excessive distress when separation from home or major attachment figures occurs or is anticipated

• Persistent and excessive worry about losing, or about possible harm befalling, major attachment figures

• Persistent and excessive worry that an untoward event will lead to separation from a major attachment figure (e.g., getting lost or being kidnapped)

• Persistent reluctance or refusal to go to school or elsewhere because of fear of separation

• Persistently and excessively fearful or reluctant to be alone or without major attachment figures at home or without significant adults in other settings

• Persistent reluctance or refusal to go to sleep without being near a major attachment figure or to sleep away from home

• Repeated nightmares involving the theme of separation