The empirical research on the condition labeled separation anxiety disorder (SAD) is reviewed, including studies on its diagnostic criteria, etiology, natural history, and response to behavior therapy. Although the available treatment reports are promising, little experimental evidence exists that specifically demonstrates the efficacy of behavior therapy or any other approach to care for the child with separation anxiety disorder. It appears that SAD is a variant of other anxiety disorders and has a similar positive response to treatments incorporating elements of therapeutic exposure to anxiety-evoking stimuli.
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