Separation Anxiety and School Refusal Differential Diagnoses

  • Author: Bettina E Bernstein, DO; Chief Editor: Caroly Pataki, MD   more...
 
Updated: Mar 29, 2011
 
 

Diagnostic Considerations

Various disorders and behaviors are symptomatic of separation anxiety and school refusal, while others can mimic them. In addition, various social situations can bring about symptoms similar to those of separation anxiety and school refusal. Examples include the following:

  • Inappropriate academic placement
  • Avoidance of school because of fear of violence (eg, gang-related violence) or teasing
  • Truancy
  • Conduct disorder
  • Substance abuse or dependence
  • Depression
  • Grief reaction
  • Brain tumor (especially if associated with vision or coordination impairment)
  • Communication disorder (not otherwise specified)

Note that depressed or anxious children are commonly teased.

Differential Diagnoses

Proceed to Workup
 
 
Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Bettina E Bernstein, DO  Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine; Private Practice at the Wynnewood House; Outpatient Consultant, Child Guidance Resource Centers, Clinical Affiliate, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Psychiatric Consultant, Easttown Tredyffrin School District

Bettina E Bernstein, DO, is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and American Psychiatric Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Angelo P Giardino, MD, PhD  Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine; Medical Director, Texas Children's Health Plan, Inc

Angelo P Giardino, MD, PhD is a member of the following medical societies: Academic Pediatric Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children, Harris County Medical Society, Helfer Society, and International Society for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect

Disclosure: Bayer Honoraria Review panel membership; Pfizer Grant/research funds Independent contractor; MedImmune Honoraria Review panel membership

Mary L Windle, PharmD  Adjunct Associate Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Caroly Pataki, MD  Professor of Clinical Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, Division Chair, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California

Caroly Pataki, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York Academy of Sciences, and Physicians for Social Responsibility

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

References

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