Types of Attachment Disorders

"The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders recognizes two distinct attachment disorders: Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder and Reactive Attachment Disorder." (Morin, A., 2020)

Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder

• This is one of two Attachment Disorders, which can happen when a child does not receive the nurturing and affection from their primary caregivers, which a child needs to flourish and further develop their social and emotional skills. Children with Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder (DSED) tend to feel a similar attachment to strangers as they do towards their parents or primary caregivers. Some of the signs and symptoms of DESD may include the following

• No fear of adult strangers when meeting new people for the first time

• Behaviours that is overly friendly or talkative to strangers

• Hugging or cuddling unknown adults

• No hesitation around strangers, even when departing with unfamiliar person

• Does not look to parents or primary caregivers for permission to approach strangers (Psychology Today, 2019)

Reactive Attachment Disorder

• Reactive Attachment Disorder, also known as RAD, can be caused by a lack of emotional and secure attachment to a child's parents and primary caregivers, due to early trauma, unstable living conditions, abuse and neglect. 

• Children who are diagnosed with RAD are unable to form secure emotional connections with others, they will have difficulty claiming down during stressful and anxious situations, may be withdrawn, may appear upset, sad, or scared when interacting with their parents and caregivers, and do not turn to their primary caregivers for support and comfort. "Moods fluctuate erratically, and children may seem to live in a fight, flight, or freeze mode." (Eliis et al., 2021) Treatment for RAD will vary from child to child but may include: counselling, working with the child, parents, and primary caregivers through family therapy that focuses on rebuilding or establishing a strong, secure, and healthy relationship and interactions. Many parents and primary caregivers may also benefit from partaking in parenting classes educating them on how to build these healthy relationships with the child, and social skills that they can teach the child on how to interact with other children their age. (Cleveland Clinic, 2018)