Explain adult separation anxiety and a graded plan (not lifelong diazepam) — CASC communication station

Station brief

Format. Communication station, approximately 7–10 minutes active time after reading. You are the psychiatry registrar in the outpatient clinic. ^[3]

Candidate instructions. Explain adult separation anxiety disorder in plain language (including that it can start in adulthood), how it differs from pure unexpected panic, the rationale for graded practice being alone and reducing checking calls, why daily long-term diazepam is not recommended as the main plan, optional SSRI discussion at a high level, expected hard work and benefits, and safety-netting for mood. Check understanding and invite questions. The examiner plays the patient. ^[1][2][3]