Attachment Conditions described in the DSM-5.
The connection, bond, and enduring style of communicating between two people is known as their “attachment”. Feeling and being “attached” to carers is a fundamental need for all children. Attachment to important people in a child’s life helps them develop a sense of security, trust, and confidence in others and the world more generally.
Attachment disorders are mental health conditions that can occur when a child has difficulty forming healthy attachments with their caregivers. These are described in the Diagnostics and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders, and can be diagnosed by a child psychiatrist. There are two types of attachment disorders listed in the DSM-5:
Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD): RAD is characterised by a child’s persistent pattern of emotionally withdrawn behaviour towards caregivers, a lack of social initiative, and a failing to seek comfort when distressed.
Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder (DSED): DSED is characterised by a child’s lack of caution or wariness towards strangers, indiscriminate friendliness, and a willingness to go off with strangers without hesitation.
The causes of attachment disorders are complex and multifactorial. Some of the factors that may contribute to attachment disorders include:
Early childhood trauma: Children who experience trauma in their early childhood may have difficulty forming healthy attachments with caregivers.
Genetic factors: Some research suggests that genetics may play a role in the development of attachment disorders.
Separation or loss: Children who experience separation or loss of a caregiver may have difficulty forming new attachments.
If your child is exhibiting symptoms of an attachment disorder, it is important to seek professional help from a mental health provider. There are several treatments available for attachment disorders, including attachment-based therapy. Here are some other ways parents can support their children's mental health:
Provide a secure and stable environment: Children with attachment disorders benefit from a secure and stable environment. Establish clear routines and boundaries, and provide a consistent and predictable environment.
Foster healthy attachments: Foster healthy attachments with your child by being responsive, attuned, and consistent in your interactions with them.
Use positive parenting techniques: Use positive parenting techniques such as praise, positive reinforcement, and affection to promote positive behaviour.
Encourage emotional regulation: Teaching your child emotional regulation skills, by naming yours and their emotions, being present with them and sharing their emotional experiences when they’re upset, and demonstrating the ways in which emotions can be tolerated and managed through modelling and empathetic connectedness to them.
Seek family therapy: Family therapy can help improve communication and emotional relationships within the family and promote healthy attachments between caregivers and children.
Advocate for your child: If your child has an attachment disorder, it is important to advocate for them and ensure they receive the support and services they need, at school and in a healthcare setting.
In addition to these strategies, there are things parents can do to support their own mental health. Here are some suggestions:
Seek support: Parenting a child with an attachment disorder can be challenging and stressful. Seek support from family, friends, or a mental health provider.
Take care of yourself: It is important to take care of your own mental and physical health. Make time for self-care activities that you enjoy, such as exercise or hobbies. See other blog posts on this topic elsewhere on this website.
Stay informed: Educate yourself about attachment disorders and the interventions available. Stay informed about your child's progress in treatment and advocate for them as needed.
In conclusion, attachment disorders are a type of mental health disorder that can have a significant impact on children and families. If your child is exhibiting symptoms of an attachment disorder, it is important to seek professional help from a mental health provider. By providing a secure and stable environment, fostering healthy attachments, using positive parenting techniques, and advocating for your child, you can support your child's mental health and continuing development. Remember to also take care of your own mental health and seek support when needed.