Attachment disorder in children: This is how you can recognize them

A secure bond with the mother and father or other attachment figures develops immediately after the birth of the child. By recognizing the baby’s needs and reliably satisfying them, parents give their child a sense of security. Both physical and emotional closeness ensure a secure bond and enable healthy psychological development. The English term “bonding” describes the intensive relationship that develops between parent and child.

If a child does not grow up under these conditions, it will internalize an insecure attachment pattern. If it has also experienced violence and fear, this is referred to as a disorganized attachment pattern. A disorganized attachment is particularly at risk of developing an attachment disorder.

How does a bonding disorder between mother and child develop?

Although attachment disorders are not widespread, many children who live in risky situations, such as in homes and foster families, are affected. A frequent change of caregivers is therefore one of the risk factors for the development of an attachment disorder. But the consequences of a separation are also included, as well as a mental illness of the attachment figure, which means that it is not possible for them to take sufficient care of their child. In principle, these factors can favor the occurrence of attachment disorders:

• insufficient parental care in the first years of life
• massive physical and emotional neglect
• unreliable relationships in the family
• social isolation
• abuse
• overinvolved (dominant) parental behavior
• underinvolved (neglecting) parental behavior

Different types of attachment disorder

An attachment disorder is divided into two types. One speaks either of an attachment disorder with disinhibition or of a reactive attachment disorder. The latter develops in particular in younger children, the disinhibited attachment disorder usually from the age of 5.

identify attachment disorders

How the attachment disorder manifests itself depends on the type. In both cases, however, the children show abnormalities in social relationships.

• Reactive attachment disorder of childhood: The children are anxious, insecure, rarely socialize and show contradictory reactions in different situations. There is also an apathetic behavior. Aggressive behavior towards oneself and towards others is also possible.
• Attachment disorder in childhood with disinhibition: The children indiscriminately approach strangers and little-known people with a demand for attention. However, they do not build up a close relationship with anyone, and there is no exclusive relationship with trusting interaction. They may also behave aggressively toward themselves and others.

If a child behaves in these ways in contact with their attachment figures and other children and their caregivers, this can be interpreted as a signal of an attachment disorder.

Therapy for an attachment disorder

If a child is suspected of having an attachment disorder, it should be treated immediately by a child or adolescent psychotherapist. This can confirm the suspicion after a thorough medical history and diagnostic tests.

A stable and safe environment in which the child can learn to build relationships is fundamental to successful treatment. Therapy includes attachment-oriented behavioral therapy, individual therapy for the child, and family therapy. The active cooperation of the parents or other caregivers is therefore of central importance so that the security of attachment can be restored.

At the beginning, the focus is on informing and advising the parents and the child. The treatment can be carried out on an outpatient basis. Partial inpatient or inpatient treatment is also possible. Although close cooperation with the family is always necessary, a permanent caregiver should always be present during inpatient treatment so that the child has enough security to open up to the therapist. Outpatient therapy is preferable because it takes place over a longer period of time and there is a better chance that the child will build up this trusting relationship with the therapist.

The consequences of attachment disorder in adulthood

Early childhood attachment disorders often burden a lifetime, since the resulting childlike behavior patterns are not discarded with age, but break out again and again, for example in stressful situations. This can restrict those affected in their everyday work and have a negative impact on partnerships. It is all the more important to react early if a child shows the above-mentioned abnormal behavior.