In the context of mood or behavior disorders, attachment anxiety is a condition that prevents a person from forming and maintaining relationships.
These disorders often develop during childhood. They can arise when a child is incapable of having a consistent emotional connection with a parent or primary caregiver.
There is no official diagnosis of reactive attachment disorder in adults, but they may experience attachment problems. These may stem from untreated or undiagnosed attachment disorders in childhood.
This article describes what attachment disorders are, including their types and symptoms. We also learn about treatment options and when to see a doctor.
What is Attachment Theory?
Attachment theory deals with how individuals form vital bonds. The way a person learns to form and maintain relationships is largely rooted in their initial interactions with parents or primary caregivers during childhood.
Psychologists, for the first time studied and classified the different types of attachments that can develop during childhood. The researchers then developed the Adult Attachment Interview to distinguish between patterns in adults. The questions assess an adult’s initial relationship pattern with their primary caregiver.
The patterns of reactive attachment disorder in adults are similar to those in children.
These include:
Safety: An Adult with secure attachments can have a positive emotional association with their primary caregiver. They feel comfortable in their relationships and have less relationship anxiety.
Avoidance or Denial: Adults with these attachments are uncomfortable with closeness and value independence in their relationships. As children, their caregivers may not have listened to their needs.
Anxiety or Preoccupation: Adults with these attachments crave intimacy and feel insecure in their relationships. Children can develop this attachment style if the caregivers availability is intermittent or unpredictable.
Disorganization: Adults with this attachment style may have tense or tumultuous relationship patterns, marked by, for example, seeking closeness and then moving away from others. It may evolve in reaction to childhood trauma or abuse.
What is Attachment Disorder?
Attachment disorders describe conditions that make it difficult for children to bond emotionally with others. This can include a lack of emotional response or emotional attachment. These conditions can prevent you from connecting and forming meaningful relationships with others as you age.
Although the causes of attachment anxiety can vary, experts believe they may be the result of inadequate care. Examples may include physical or emotional abuse or neglect and traumatic loss.
“The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM5)” notes two major attachment disorders, primarily diagnosed in young children.
People with attachment disorder are more likely to develop Abandonment issues.
What are the types of Attachment Disorders?
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders notes two separate attachment disorders: forbidden social attachment disorder and reactive attachment disorder. These conditions are usually recognized around a child’s first birthday. Early warning signs often include stunted growth or disinterest in interactions.
Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder
A classic sign of disproportionate social interaction disorder (DSED) is excessive friendship with strangers. Children can seek comfort from strangers, sit on strangers’ lap, and show no distress when unattended, safe place and fall into a strange or even threatening situation. Children with this disorder prefer trustworthy adults to strangers and may seek affection from people they hardly know.
Reactive Attachment Disorder
Reactive Attachment Disorder is a disorder of infancy or childhood involving an inability to seek comfort from caregivers. A child with an attachment response may resist physical comfort from a caregiver, avoid eye contact, and appear overly hyperactive.
Most children with reactive attachment disorder have a variety of behaviors. These behaviors may include irritability, withdrawal, failure to seek comfort, lack of interaction with other children, and avoidance of physical contact.
How do we Treat Attachment Disorder?
People with signs of RAD or DSED need a complete psychiatric evaluation and an individualized treatment plan. Remedy involves both the kid and the family. Therapists focus on understanding and strengthening the relationship between a child and their primary caregivers. If left untreated, these conditions can affect a child’s social and emotional development. Treatments such as the “regeneration” strategy are potentially dangerous and should be avoided.
Parents of young children with signs or symptoms of RAD or DSED should seek a full psychiatric evaluation by a qualified mental health professional before initiating any reactive attachment disorder treatment.
Do not hesitate to seek a second opinion if they have any questions or concerns regarding the diagnosis and/ or treatment plan. However, close and ongoing cooperation between the child’s family and the treatment team increases the likelihood of a positive outcome.
A word from the doctor —
If you notice signs that you may have an reactive attachment disorder, talk to your doctor for evaluation, diagnosis, or referral to a mental health professional. The earlier the intervention, the more likely you are to achieve a good outcome.
Another step you can take to help a child with attachment problems is to take a parenting course. Children with attachment problems need special attention. Learning to respond appropriately can help your child build healthier and safer relationships with caregivers.
If you need any help with your mental health, contact me right away!
