Empty nest syndrome

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Empty nest syndrome is a psychological condition that can occur when a person's children leave home for the first time, such as to live on their own or to attend a college or university. It is not a clinical disorder or disease, but it can manifest as a feeling of loss and emptiness that may have been suppressed during the time of rearing the children.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The symptoms of empty nest syndrome can vary from person to person, but may include feelings of sadness, loss, or loneliness, a loss of purpose or identity, or a feeling of being unwanted or unneeded. These feelings can be exacerbated if the person is single or does not have a close relationship with their spouse or partner.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Empty nest syndrome is caused by a significant change in a person's life. This change can be triggered by a variety of factors, such as the departure of a child from the home, a change in the person's role or identity, or a change in the person's relationship with their spouse or partner.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for empty nest syndrome can involve psychotherapy, counseling, or support groups. These treatments can help a person to understand and cope with their feelings of loss and emptiness, and to find new ways to fill their time and find purpose in their life.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


External links[edit | edit source]

Empty nest syndrome Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD