Mental health articles

Secure base distortions In this group of disorders children have developed a clear preference for a particular attachment figure but the quality of the relationship is disturbed. Four types are described by Zeanah et al. (2000): 1 Attachment disorder (AD) with self-endangerment—In this condition the infant prioritises exploration and does not check with the attachment figure or maintain normal proximity. Behaviour can be reckless or dangerous and include running away from the carer repeatedly. 2 Clinging/Inhibited exploration—In this condition the infant inhibits normal exploratory behaviour and is clingy with the attachment figure, evidencing insecurity. 3 AD with vigilance/hypercompliance—Infants are highly attuned to the requests and needs of the attachment figure and are fearful of displeasing them. This may result from the caregiver being angry or hostile towards the child and in cases of abuse. 4 AD with role reversal—In this situation the infant takes emotional responsibility for the caregiver to a developmentally inappropriate degree, with adverse effects on her overall development. This may develop when the parent is isolated, depressed or in other ways dependent on the child for comfort and intimacy.