The purpose of this study is to determine whether a specific family based cognitive behavioral treatment program is effective in the treatment of children with separation anxiety disorder.

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental disorders both in adulthood and childhood. Recent research indicates that anxiety disorders in childhood and in particular Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD) increase the risk of mental disorders in adulthood. Despite these results research on SAD is still limited compared to the vast research activity on adult anxiety disorders. The proposed research program will close a gap of current international research: It will test the efficacy of a family based cognitive behavioral treatment program specific for SAD.

The research program consists of two parts. One study is aimed at children with SAD aged 5 to 7. 40 children are randomly allocated immediately to SAD-specific family-based treatment or to a wait list. For the second study 60 children with SAD (8 to 13 years old) are randomly allocated to either SAD-specific family-based treatment ("SAD-CBT") or a well established global CBT program for childhood anxiety disorders ("global CBT").

In both studies treatment success is tested at the end of treatment as well as 4 weeks and 1, 2 and 3 years after treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Primary diagnosis of SAD
• Age 5 to 13 years
• Knowledge of German language
• Consent to randomization and psychological testing

Exclusion Criteria:

• Comorbid Pervasive Developmental Disorders
• Active psychotropic drugs