How long must symptoms last for a diagnosis of separation anxiety disorder in children?

For a diagnosis of separation anxiety disorder in children according to the DSM-5, symptoms must last for a minimum of 4 weeks. This time frame is crucial as it allows for the differentiation between typical developmental behaviors concerning separation and those that indicate a disorder.

Separation anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive fear or anxiety related to separation from those to whom the child is attached. This can manifest in various symptoms, including persistent worry about losing attachment figures, nightmares about separation, and physical symptoms (like headaches or stomachaches) when separation occurs or is anticipated.

The stipulation of 4 weeks helps to ensure that the anxiety is not just a transient phase but a persistent issue that affects the child's functioning over time. This duration is also in alignment with other anxiety disorders where chronicity is a factor in diagnosis, thereby reinforcing the need for symptoms to extend beyond typical developmental responses to separation transitions.