Attachment disorders are emotional and behavioural conditions that typically develop in early childhood when a child fails to form a healthy bond with their primary caregiver. This can result from the child being neglected or abused. These disorders affect a child’s ability to form relationships and trust others.
In the UK, mental health professionals often refer to three primary types of attachment-related disorders.
Reactive Attachment Disorder
Reactive Attachment Disorder usually develops in children who have experienced severe neglect, frequent changes in caregivers, or a lack of emotional nurturing in early life. Children with RAD often struggle to form meaningful relationships and may appear withdrawn, avoid comfort when distressed, and show little emotion. They may also appear sad or fearful.
RAD requires robust psychological support to help the child build trust and emotional security.
Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder
Unlike RAD, children with Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder are overly friendly and show no fear or caution when interacting with strangers. This condition typically stems from the same kinds of early neglect but manifests in the opposite way.
These children may display inappropriate levels of familiarity with unfamiliar adults, and they may seek love and affection from strangers. Because they’re so trusting, children with DSED are at great risk of being harmed by others.
If you want to understand more about the wide range of conditions that affect both children and adults, mental health training courses Swansea can be undertaken courtesy of providers such as https://www.tidaltraining.co.uk/mental-health-training-courses/swansea/.
Insecure Attachment Styles
While not classified as clinical disorders in themselves, Insecure Attachment Styles can have lasting effects into adolescence and adulthood. Anxious attachment may involve clinginess, fear of abandonment, and difficulty trusting other people. Avoidant attachment may lead to emotional distancing, reluctance to rely on other people, or difficulty expressing feelings. Disorganised attachment often results from abuse or trauma and can involve contradictory behaviour, fear, and confusion in relationships.
Attachment difficulties can be addressed with early intervention, therapy, and strong, stable caregiving relationships. In the UK, good support is available through social services and charities.
