attachment disorder symptoms in children

attachment disorder symptoms in children Attachment disorders are seen as generalised difficulties in relationships that
may emerge from disturbed interactional patterns in the child’s primary
caretaking experiences. In other words, the patterns observed reflect the infant’s
current issues with attachment relationships and the way in which past
relationship experiences have influenced current relationship models.
Attachment disorders are not directly related to the attachment categories
identified by the Strange Situation Procedure; however, many infants diagnosed
with an attachment disorder will also have a disorganised pattern of attachment.
Assessment of attachment disorders is made on both observation of
relationship behaviour and a comprehensive history of the child’s previous relationship experiences. Looked on in isolation, the attachment difficulties may
be difficult to understand. For example, an attachment disorder begins in
disturbance of the infant’s relationship with her primary carer or attachment
figure and then, if persistent, will generalise and affect other relationships, such
as those with peers or other adults.
Attachment disorders develop when there is a persistent disturbance in the
relationship between the child and her attachment figure. If ongoing, this will
then influence the child’s perceptions and behaviour outside of the primary
relationship and become incorporated as part of the developing child’s style of
attachment or personality.
Serious early adverse experiences such as abuse and neglect are associated
with long-term difficulties in relationships and attachment behaviour. These
children may show a variety of disturbed attachment behaviour but all
experience insecurity and anxiety in close relationships and difficulties in trust.
Children who have been institutionalised pose specific challenges for fostercarers
and may be provocative and ‘test’ the commitment of carers.
Attachment disorders are clearly detrimental to interpersonal functioning
and are associated with ongoing difficulties in development and relationships.
Classification of attachment disorders is complex, as these conditions are
essentially referring to a relationship construct as opposed to any ‘disorder’ of
an individual. The issue raises several questions:
• What is the distinction between normal and abnormal attachment?
• Are attachment disorders psychological and behavioural disorders in their
own right?
• When does an infant’s attachment disturbance constitute a clinical disorder as
opposed to a risk factor for later disorder?
These questions are being discussed in an ongoing way in the theoretical and
empirical literature. The current classification systems, ICD-10 and DSM-IV,
offer limited descriptions of attachment disorders.