Children with Separation Anxiety Disorder usually come from closely-knit families. Strong attachment leads the child to fear that something may happen either to the self or to the major attachment figure during separation. It is also a possibility that the child is having aggressive wishes toward the major attachment figure and fears they will be fulfilled in his or her absence.
Psychodynamic approaches tend to recommend insight-oriented therapy to strengthen the child's ego.
The need for the major attachment figure to receive therapy may also be emphasized. Systematic desensitization and exposure are also used. This disorder is common among small families, higher socioeconomic groups, eldest children, and families in which there is unusual concern about performance, even when the child is functioning at an adequate or superior level. There may also be biological factors involved. Treatments for Overanxious Disorder of Childhood are similar to those for General Anxiety Disorder in adults.