attachment disorder
A condition characterized by difficulty forming normal emotional bonds with caregivers, typically resulting from early trauma or neglect.
Full Definition
Attachment disorders are serious conditions that develop when children are unable to form normal, healthy emotional attachments with primary caregivers during the critical early years of life. These disorders, including Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) and Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder (DSED), typically result from severe early experiences of neglect, abuse, or frequent changes in caregivers that disrupt the normal attachment process. Children with attachment disorders may exhibit extreme behaviors including emotional withdrawal, fear of caregivers, indiscriminate friendliness with strangers, or inability to seek comfort when distressed. Diagnosis requires evidence of grossly inadequate care during early development and specific behavioral patterns that persist across settings. Treatment focuses on creating stable, nurturing relationships and may include specialized attachment-based therapies.
Usage
Usage note: Specify which type of attachment disorder (RAD vs DSED) and document evidence of early adversity.
In Context
- "The child's history of multiple foster placements contributed to the development of attachment disorder symptoms." — psychiatric evaluation report
- "Treatment for attachment disorder requires specialized therapeutic approaches focusing on caregiver-child relationships." — treatment planning note