Which anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive fear concerning separation from home or attachment figures?

The correct answer is Separation Anxiety Disorder, which is defined by the intense fear or anxiety regarding separation from those to whom an individual is attached, such as parents or guardians. It's common for this condition to manifest in children, but it can also occur in adults. Those affected may experience significant distress at the thought of being separated from their primary attachment figures, leading to difficulties in daily functioning, such as refusing to go to school or being overly anxious about being away from home.

In distinguishing this disorder from others, it’s important to recognize how it specifically focuses on attachment and separation fears. Panic Disorder revolves around recurrent panic attacks and the fear of experiencing more attacks, while Selective Mutism involves a consistent inability to speak in specific social situations despite speaking in other situations, which does not primarily concern separation. Generalized Anxiety Disorder involves excessive worry about various life events and situations but lacks the specific focus on separation anxiety tied to relationships or attachments.