# ICD-11 Classification of Separation Anxiety Disorder (6B05)

Canonical: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-icd-11-classification-for-separation-anxiety-disorder
Publisher: Pinnacle Blooms Network / Bharath Healthcare Laboratories Private Limited

In ICD-11-MMS, Separation Anxiety Disorder is coded 6B05 within the Anxiety or fear-related disorders block. ICD-11 removed the childhood-onset restriction of ICD-10, applying the diagnosis across the lifespan where excessive, persistent separation-related fear causes significant distress or impairment.

*When a clinician needs the precise nosological home for separation anxiety, ICD-11 gives it a clear coordinate.*

## In short
In the ICD-11 for Mortality and Morbidity Statistics (ICD-11-MMS), **Separation Anxiety Disorder is coded 6B05**, sitting within the grouping of **Anxiety or fear-related disorders** (block 6B00–6B0Z) under Mental, behavioural or neurodevelopmental disorders. It is characterised by developmentally excessive fear or anxiety concerning separation from specific attachment figures. Critically, ICD-11 removed the childhood-onset restriction of ICD-10 (F93.0), so the diagnosis applies across the lifespan provided symptoms are disproportionate to developmental level, persistent, and produce significant distress or functional impairment.

## The classification, precisely
- **Code:** 6B05
- **System:** ICD-11-MMS
- **Parent block:** Anxiety or fear-related disorders
- **Superordinate:** Mental, behavioural or neurodevelopmental disorders

The defining feature is marked, recurrent fear or anxiety about separation from attachment figures — manifesting as persistent worry about harm befalling them, reluctance to go to school or sleep alone, recurrent nightmares with separation themes, or somatic complaints on anticipated separation. Duration should be sustained (typically several weeks or more) and the response clearly exceeds what is expected for the individual's developmental stage and sociocultural context. ICD-11's lifespan framing is the key shift from ICD-10, where the condition was classified among disorders with onset specific to childhood.

## When to refer
Refer for structured assessment when separation-related fear is impairing attendance at school or daily routines, when somatic presentations recur without medical cause, or when the pattern persists despite reassurance and graded reintroduction. Distinguish from age-typical separation distress in toddlers, generalised anxiety, social anxiety, and specific phobia.

## The Pinnacle way
Developmental measurement supports care planning; diagnosis requires an appropriately qualified healthcare professional., under qualified clinician care — never from a code lookup or an online form. Coding locates the condition; clinical evaluation establishes it. Explore how we [structure developmental and emotional assessment](/ask/what-is-the-abilityscore-and-how-is-it-calculated), our [behavioural and emotional therapy pathways](/behavioural-therapy), and the [wider Pinnacle approach](/).

## Trusted sources
WHO ICD-11 for Mortality and Morbidity Statistics — Anxiety or fear-related disorders, entity 6B05. WHO conceptual framework on classification of mental and behavioural disorders.

**Next step —** For a child whose separation anxiety is disrupting school or daily life, [arrange a clinician-led assessment at a Pinnacle centre](/behavioural-therapy).

This is general information, not a diagnosis — individual assessment and diagnosis require an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

## Sources
- WHO ICD-11 — Separation Anxiety Disorder: https://icd.who.int/
- WHO classification of mental and behavioural disorders: https://www.who.int/

## Connected topics and perspectives
- Conditions: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/conditions
- Doctor: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/stakeholder/doctor
- Emotional: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/domain/emotional
- Definition: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/intent/definition
- Screen: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/lifecycle/screen
- Screen: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/route/screen
- Early Clarity: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/empowerment/early_clarity

## Related question paths

### Understand the subject
- Separation Anxiety Disorder (ICD-11 6B05): a clinician explainer: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-separation-anxiety-disorder-and-what-are-its-icd-11-features-in-early-childhood
- What is Separation Anxiety Disorder?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-separation-anxiety-disorder
- What is Childhood Anxiety, and what are its ICD-11 features in early childhood?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-childhood-anxiety-and-what-are-its-icd-11-features-in-early-childhood
- What is the SNOMED CT concept for Separation Anxiety Disorder?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-snomed-ct-concept-for-separation-anxiety-disorder
- How Separation Anxiety Disorder affects a child's daily life: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-does-separation-anxiety-disorder-affect-a-child-s-daily-life
- Is Separation Anxiety Disorder Considered a Disability?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/is-separation-anxiety-disorder-considered-a-disability
- Is Separation Anxiety Disorder genetic or hereditary?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/is-separation-anxiety-disorder-genetic-or-hereditary
- What are common myths about Separation Anxiety Disorder?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-common-myths-about-separation-anxiety-disorder
- What are the types or levels of Separation Anxiety Disorder?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-types-or-levels-of-separation-anxiety-disorder
- What causes Separation Anxiety Disorder in children?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-causes-separation-anxiety-disorder-in-children
- Early Intervention Outcomes for Separation Anxiety Disorder (Under 7): https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-current-research-show-about-early-intervention-outcomes-for-separation-anxiety-disorder-in-children-under-7
- What is Separation Anxiety Disorder, and what does it look like in early childhood?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-separation-anxiety-disorder-and-what-does-it-look-like-in-early-childhood

### Recognise signs & concerns
- Separation Anxiety Disorder red flags warranting referral: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-clinical-red-flags-for-separation-anxiety-disorder-warrant-referral-in-a-young-child
- Early indicators of Separation Anxiety Disorder for paediatricians: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-early-indicators-of-separation-anxiety-disorder-should-a-paediatrician-watch-for
- When to refer a child with suspected Separation Anxiety Disorder: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/when-should-a-doctor-refer-a-child-with-suspected-separation-anxiety-disorder-for-developmental-therapy
- Can Separation Anxiety Disorder be cured?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-separation-anxiety-disorder-be-cured
- Can Separation Anxiety Disorder be prevented?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-separation-anxiety-disorder-be-prevented
- Do boys show Separation Anxiety Disorder differently?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/do-boys-show-separation-anxiety-disorder-differently
- Do girls show Separation Anxiety Disorder differently?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/do-girls-show-separation-anxiety-disorder-differently
- Spotting Separation Anxiety Disorder Early: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-can-a-frontline-health-worker-spot-a-child-with-possible-separation-anxiety-disorder-early
- Should I be worried my child might have Separation Anxiety Disorder?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/should-i-be-worried-my-child-might-have-separation-anxiety-disorder
- What are the early signs of Separation Anxiety Disorder?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-separation-anxiety-disorder
- Early Signs of Separation Anxiety in a 1-Year-Old Boy: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-separation-anxiety-disorder-in-a-1-year-old-boy
- What are the early signs of Separation Anxiety Disorder in a 1-year-old girl?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-separation-anxiety-disorder-in-a-1-year-old-girl

### Explore causes & influences
- Contributing factors for Separation Anxiety Disorder: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-known-contributing-factors-for-separation-anxiety-disorder-in-early-childhood
- Are boys more likely to have Separation Anxiety Disorder?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/are-boys-more-likely-to-have-separation-anxiety-disorder
- Are girls more likely to have Separation Anxiety Disorder?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/are-girls-more-likely-to-have-separation-anxiety-disorder
- Early Intervention for Separation Anxiety: Advancing UN Child Rights & the SDGs: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-does-early-intervention-for-separation-anxiety-disorder-advance-un-child-rights-uncrpd-and-the-sdgs
- What causes Separation Anxiety Disorder in young children?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-causes-separation-anxiety-disorder-in-young-children
- Cost-effectiveness of early therapy for Separation Anxiety Disorder: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-cost-effectiveness-of-early-therapy-for-separation-anxiety-disorder-in-young-children
- Separation Anxiety Disorder in India: Prevalence and Public-Health Burden: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-prevalence-and-public-health-burden-of-separation-anxiety-disorder-among-young-children-in-india

### Understand assessment
- Separation Anxiety Disorder: the under-7 screening and diagnostic pathway: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-recommended-screening-and-diagnostic-pathway-for-separation-anxiety-disorder-in-children-under-7
- How AbilityScore Tracks Progress in Separation Anxiety Disorder: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-does-abilityscore-track-progress-in-a-child-with-separation-anxiety-disorder
- How Separation Anxiety Disorder Is Assessed in a Young Child: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-is-separation-anxiety-disorder-assessed-in-a-young-child
- How Separation Anxiety Disorder Is Assessed in Children Under 7: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-is-separation-anxiety-disorder-assessed-in-children-under-7
- What an AbilityScore of 0–100 means for separation anxiety: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-0-100-mean-for-a-child-with-separation-anxiety-disorder
- What an AbilityScore of 100–200 Means for Separation Anxiety: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-100-200-mean-for-a-child-with-separation-anxiety-disorder
- What an AbilityScore of 200–300 Means for Separation Anxiety Disorder: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-200-300-mean-for-a-child-with-separation-anxiety-disorder
- What does an AbilityScore of 300–400 mean for a child with Separation Anxiety Disorder?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-300-400-mean-for-a-child-with-separation-anxiety-disorder
- What an AbilityScore of 400-500 Means in Separation Anxiety: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-400-500-mean-for-a-child-with-separation-anxiety-disorder
- What an AbilityScore of 500–600 Means for Separation Anxiety: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-500-600-mean-for-a-child-with-separation-anxiety-disorder
- What does an AbilityScore of 600–700 mean for a child with Separation Anxiety Disorder?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-600-700-mean-for-a-child-with-separation-anxiety-disorder
- What an AbilityScore of 700–800 Means for a Child with Separation Anxiety: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-700-800-mean-for-a-child-with-separation-anxiety-disorder

### Explore therapy & support
- ICHI Interventions for Separation Anxiety Disorder (6B05): https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/which-ichi-health-interventions-apply-to-separation-anxiety-disorder-in-young-children
- How can I support a child with Separation Anxiety Disorder day to day?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/as-a-grandparent-or-caregiver-how-can-i-support-a-child-with-separation-anxiety-disorder-day-to-day
- Separation Anxiety Disorder and Mainstream School: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-a-child-with-separation-anxiety-disorder-attend-a-mainstream-school
- Can a Child with Separation Anxiety Attend a Regular School?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-a-child-with-separation-anxiety-disorder-attend-a-regular-school
- Can a Child With Separation Anxiety Live Independently?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-a-child-with-separation-anxiety-disorder-grow-up-to-live-independently
- How a Teacher Can Help a Child with Separation Anxiety Learn: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-can-a-classroom-teacher-help-a-child-with-separation-anxiety-disorder-take-part-and-learn
- Identifying and supporting children under 7 with Separation Anxiety Disorder in a district programme: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-can-a-district-early-intervention-programme-identify-and-support-children-under-7-with-separation-anxiety-disorder
- How a Teacher Can Support a Child with Separation Anxiety Disorder: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-can-a-teacher-include-and-support-a-young-child-with-separation-anxiety-disorder-in-a-mainstream-classroom
- Supporting Emotional Development in a Child with Separation Anxiety: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-can-we-support-emotional-development-in-a-child-with-separation-anxiety-disorder
- How therapy helps a child with Separation Anxiety Disorder make progress: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-does-therapy-help-a-child-with-separation-anxiety-disorder-make-progress
- How Separation Anxiety Disorder Is Diagnosed in a Child: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-is-separation-anxiety-disorder-diagnosed-in-a-child
- How Therapy Supports Separation Anxiety Disorder: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-is-separation-anxiety-disorder-supported-through-therapy

### At home & in everyday life
- How can I support my child with Separation Anxiety Disorder at home?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-can-i-support-my-child-with-separation-anxiety-disorder-at-home