Three types of attachment disorders

The British psychologist John Bowlby first theorised attachment, which in essence is the connection we have with other humans.

Attachment refers to the bonds or relationships we develop with our parents or caregivers in early childhood. Emotional bonds built from birth have a lasting and significant impact on our development and attachment style.

Those who have experienced negative experiences in childhood, or traumatic events, may go on to develop attachment disorders and other mental health issues. Let’s look at three common types of attachment disorders:

1. Reactive attachment disorders (RAD)

RADs occur in children and result in them becoming withdrawn, distant, or unresponsive in social situations. This is because they deem these interactions unsafe, resulting in them attempting to remove themselves from the situation before becoming independent and self-reliant to extremes.

2. Disinhibited social engagement disorders (DSED)

DSEDs can pose a real threat to the safety of children, as they result in the child becoming overly friendly and trusting, even towards strangers. Children exhibit signs such as being highly interactive, and even pushing the boundaries of what is considered normal in social situations.

3. Adult attachment disorders (AAD)

AADs occur when an adult displays similar symptoms of attachment disorders as exhibited in childhood, which results in their adult relationships becoming affected. They are due to RAD or DSED issues going unmanaged or untreated in childhood and persisting through to adulthood.

In addition to attachment disorders, people may develop insecure attachment styles due to negative early childhood experiences. These styles include anxious attachment, avoidant attachment, and unorganised attachment.

Training

Providers such as www.tidaltraining.co.uk/mental-health-training-courses/newport not only deliver mental health training courses Newport and other locations but also online.

Attachment disorders training looks at how attachment issues develop, the symptoms displayed, and how changes can be made to break the cycle. Insights into the psychological theory that underpins the attachment will also be studied.

This training is useful for anyone who works with children and adults who display challenging behaviour as a result of attachment disorders or other psychological issues.