What is attachment disorder

Examples of out-of-home placements include residential programs, foster care or orphanage. Others have had multiple traumatic losses or changes in their primary caregiver. The exact cause of attachment disorders is not known, but research suggests that inadequate care-giving is a possible cause. The physical, emotional and social problems associated with attachment disorders may persist as the child grows older.

Children who have attachment issues can develop two possible types of disorders: Reactive Attachment Disorder and Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder. Children with RAD are less likely to interact with other people because of negative experiences with adults in their early years.

They have difficulty calming down when stressed and do not look for comfort from their caregivers when they are upset. These children may seem to have little to no emotions when interacting with others. They may appear unhappy, irritable, sad, or scared while having normal activities with their caretaker.

The diagnosis of RAD is made if symptoms become chronic. Children with DSED do not appear fearful when meeting someone for the first time.

If you feel like insecure attachment is getting in the way of forming healthy, fulfilling relationships, consider adding some of these titles to your reading list:. Obsessive love disorder OLD refers to a condition where you become obsessed with one person you think you may be in love with.

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Medically reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, Ph. Overview Attachment theory Attachment styles Healing Further reading We include products we think are useful for our readers. Can adults have attachment disorder? What is attachment theory? What are the different attachment styles? Is it possible to develop a new attachment style?

Further reading. Read this next. Obsessive Love Disorder. These can stem from untreated or undiagnosed attachment disorders in childhood. This article describes what attachment disorders are, including the types and their symptoms.

We also explore the treatment options and when to see a doctor. Attachment theory deals with how people form emotional bonds. The way that a person learns to form and maintain relationships primarily stems from their initial interactions with a parent or primary caregiver during childhood.

Psychologists initially studied and categorized different types of attachment that can develop during childhood. Researchers later developed the Adult Attachment Interview to distinguish the types in adults.

The questions assess the type of early relationship that an adult had with their primary caregiver. Types of attachment in adults are similar to those observed in children. They include:. However, it is worth noting that the criteria for each focuses on the symptoms in children. Reactive attachment disorder RAD typically stems from early childhood maltreatment or neglect.

If the child does not receive effective treatment, the symptoms of RAD may manifest or continue into adulthood. Possible symptoms of the disorder in adults include:. Disinhibited social engagement disorder DSED may develop in response to social neglect and a lack of consistent attachment to a primary caregiver during the first 2 years of life.

Children in care often demonstrate symptoms of DSED. These may include:. If a child with DSED does not receive effective treatment, the issue can manifest or continue into adulthood. An adolescent or adult with DSED may display:. Having dissociative identity disorder DID involves having at least two distinct personality states. Medical experts previously referred to the condition as multiple personality disorder. Some evidence suggests that people with disorganized attachment may later develop dissociation.

Still, researchers do not yet fully understand the causes of dissociative conditions. Some theories suggest that they may develop after sexual or emotional abuse in childhood.