The primary diagnosis for Amanda Anderson is separation anxiety disorder (SAD) with a comorbidity of school phobia. Separation anxiety disorder is commonly the precursor to school phobia, which is “one of the two most common anxiety disorders that occur in childhood and is found in approximately 4% to 10% of all children.” (Mash & Wolfe, 2010, p. 198). Amanda is a seven-year-old girl and her anxiety significantly affects her social life. Based on the case study, Amanda's father informs the therapist that Amanda is extremely dependent on her mother and is not thrilled when she is separated from her mother. Amanda was sitting on her mother's lap when the therapist entered the room to take Amanda to his office for an interview (Morgan, 1999, p. 1). According to the DSM-IV-TR, family factors such as excessive parental control are the onset of anxiety disorders (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). For example, “while other children live in the neighborhood, Amanda is not allowed to play with them. According to Amanda, “Mom says, “You can't be too careful” (Morgan, 1999, p. 1). Furthermore, Amanda states that her parents do not allow her to watch television or listen to recent music. He only knows 80s music like Huey Lewis. Mrs. Anderson pointed out, “We don't allow any of that modern music in the house” (Morgan, 1999, p. 2). Additionally, Amanda suffers from school anxiety and often has symptoms such as nausea and vomiting before or during school. When the therapist asks her about school, Amanda becomes nervous, irritated, and fidgets in her seat. Amanda explains that she likes her teachers; however, she did not enjoy attending school. The children at her school tease her about her appearance... middle of paper... at a stage in life where socializing with peers is very important. She wants friends and often feels alone. Amanda will learn alternative ways to communicate and express her feelings with the support of her family and teachers. Separation anxiety is the beginning of school phobia. With treatment, Amanda will develop separation anxiety and school phobia once she reaches adolescence. Reference American Psychiatric Association. (2000). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: Fourth Edition. Arlington: American Psychiatric Association. Mash, E. J., & Wolfe, D. A. (2010). Abnormal child psychology. Belmont: Wadworth.Morgan, R.K. (1999). Amanda case study: Case studies in child and adolescent psychopathology. Saddle River: Prentice Hall.Morrow, S. (2012, February 19). Anxiety disorders. Norfolk, Virginia, USA.