Which symptom is associated with separation anxiety disorder?

Separation anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive fear or anxiety concerning separation from home or attachment figures. The correct response highlights a key symptom of this disorder, which involves an individual's overwhelming worry about being away from those with whom they have a strong emotional attachment, such as parents or caregivers. This excessive worry often leads individuals to experience distress when anticipating or experiencing separation, impacting their daily functioning.

While avoidance of social situations, difficulty focusing, and fear of major life changes can be present in various anxiety disorders or related conditions, they are not specific to separation anxiety disorder. The defining feature of separation anxiety is the intense fear and anxiety that arises specifically in the context of separation from attachment figures, setting it apart from the other symptoms listed.