When someone experiences an attachment disorder, it can impact their ability to form trusting, stable relationships in adulthood. It can also interfere with their self-esteem, making them feel insecure in relationships and unable to maintain healthy boundaries. The cause of attachment disorders is rooted in early childhood experiences, especially those involving abuse and neglect. But, later life events can contribute to the development of these mental health concerns as well.
Symptoms of attachment dysfunction can vary from person to person, depending on their experiences and unique needs. Children with attachment issues can have trouble forming emotional bonds, and may show behavior that is inappropriate for their age. They might become irritable or aggressive when they experience conflict. They might also have a hard time accepting love, and may need to be reassured of their loved ones’ feelings for them on a regular basis. They might be resistant to physical affection, or they might push their partners away to avoid feeling too close.
Adults with attachment problems can struggle to build and maintain relationships because they are often unsure of how to behave in romantic or platonic relationships. They might express a need for constant reassurance, or they might have a tendency to break the rules in their relationships. These behaviors are usually a result of poor communication skills and an inability to identify their own feelings. They might even blame others for their difficulties.
Children with attachment dysfunction have a hard time establishing deep, healthy attachments in their lives because they are unable to regulate their emotions and develop a sense of self-worth. This type of problem is often associated with child abuse or neglect, and can occur in situations such as foster care. Children that experience a lot of change in their lives, like moving homes or entering into caretakers’ homes, are also more likely to develop attachment problems.
There are two types of attachment disorders that can be defined by the professional diagnostic guidelines: Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) and Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder (DSED). RAD typically occurs when a young child is deprived of consistent caregiving, including their basic needs for food, sleep and hygiene. This can lead to a disorganized attachment style that leads to other disorders.
DSED, on the other hand, occurs when a child is severely neglected for long periods of time. It can be seen in cases where a child has been removed from their families and placed into institutions for care, such as foster care or hospitals. Children with DSED are often emotionally withdrawn, and they do not seek out any caregivers, even when they are obviously upset or sick.
The good news is that a variety of treatments are available for attachment disorders. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is one of the most common methods for treating attachment issues. It is an effective way to help adults understand how their early experiences have impacted their current relationships, and learn how to create new attachment styles that are healthier for them. It is important to note that a therapist can also use physical exams, lab tests and other psychiatric assessments to rule out any medical or psychological conditions that could be contributing to a person’s symptoms.