Attachment disorder is a broad term used to describe a series of emotional and behavioural problems that can develop in young children.
The initial bond that we have with our parents or primary caregivers from birth is our first experience of a safe and trusting environment, encouraging us to learn and develop under the guidance of people that we instinctively know that we can trust, even at an early age. However, for some children, this fundamental connection doesn’t occur. There are several reasons why this may happen, abuse, neglect, or separation from parents means that a close attachment doesn’t develop in the natural way.
It is a basic human need to form an attachment for protection from danger, to feel safe, feel nurtured, fed ,sheltered and to have a sense of connectedness and belonging.
When children don’t develop an attachment with their parents or caregivers, this leads to attachment difficulties.
There are 4 defined attachment styles usually defined by psychologists:
Secure – conventional, good boundaries, feeling safe, comfortable, responsive, confident
Anxious – emotionally volatile, fears rejection, clingy, seeks reassurance, romanticises people
Dismissive – struggles with closeness, withdraws, unresponsive, distant
Fearful – emotionally hot / cold, fears connection, poor boundaries, erratic / extreme responses