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]

Candidate scenario

Your patient meets criteria for adult separation anxiety disorder with partner as attachment figure. She has ED attendances when he is away, nightmares about his death, and occupational impairment from travel refusal. She requests "diazepam every night forever" and fears exposure means "locking me in a house alone cold turkey." You plan collaborative hierarchy work, checking response prevention, and discussion of SSRI if severity warrants. [1][3]

Marking domains

• Empathy, structure and agenda-setting
• Accurate plain-language explanation of adult SeAD and DSM-5 lifespan recognition
• Clear distinction from pure panic without dismissing her ED experiences
• Exposure and accommodation/checking plan explained without jargon overload
• Benzodiazepine stewardship without shaming
• Optional SSRI framed with monitoring language
• Checks understanding and safety-nets mood/risk [1][2][3]