Behavioural treatment of a 4 year-old child with separation anxiety disorder

Separation anxiety disorder (SAD) is characterised by high and clinically significant levels of anxiety when the child has to be separated from the ones to whom he or she is closely attached. Behavioural techniques are emphasised by several studies as the broadest and most efficient strategies for treating SAD. In the present article, the treatment of a 4 year old child with SAD symptoms is described. The assessment instruments and behavioural strategies used during treatment are explained as well as the theoretical conceptualization of this disorder. Finally, results obtained after treatment are described.