Adult attachment disorder can arise from various causes, such as unresolved childhood attachment issues or trauma experienced later in life. Gaining a better understanding of attachment disorder and its potential causes can help validate the experiences of those living with this mental health condition and contribute to a more empathetic and supportive society. In this article, we will delve into the nature of attachment disorder, the various ways it can manifest, and the importance of therapy in assisting those who suffer from this condition. What is Attachment Disorder? Attachment disorder can be identified in children as young as five years old or even younger. It often stems from severe neglect, abuse, or other traumatic experiences in childhood, which may hinder a child's ability to establish secure attachments. As a consequence of these issues and the resulting attachment disorder, an individual may struggle to form and maintain stable relationships in their adult life. What Leads to Attachment Disorder? Various factors can contribute to or cause attachment disorder. Generally, this condition may develop in children who cannot form a bond with their caregivers. For instance, a parent or caregiver may fail to meet a child's needs for social interaction or affection. They might also be absent or considered neglectful. Additionally, attachment disorder may be more common in those who experience disruptions in their childhood, such as being placed in foster care, or in households with a high child-to-adult ratio. What are the Consequences of Attachment Disorder? Even though attachment disorder (AD) is typically not diagnosed after the age of five, there is significant evidence suggesting that untreated AD can cause issues in later life. Reactive attachment disorder in adults may be associated with a greater risk of clinical depression and substance abuse. Additionally, individuals with AD might carry their faulty attachment patterns into their adult lives. Since adults with AD might unconsciously replicate the issues from their original family, there's a potential for passing on their range of experiences to their children. Types of Insecure Attachment It is essential to note that while there are usually two categories of insecure attachment, each person's experience with attachment disorder can be highly individual. Recognizing this range can lead to validation for those affected by the disorder and increased availability of resources to support them. We've provided a brief overview of the two categories and their general characteristics below. 1. Anxious/Ambivalent Attachment Disorder An adult exhibiting symptoms of anxious/ambivalent attachment disorder may have a tendency to feel overly engaged and undervalued. This could stem from a caregiver who displayed inconsistent behavior, such as alternating between warm affection and cold rejection for no apparent reason during the individual's childhood. Individuals with anxious/ambivalent attachment may obsessively scrutinize others' behaviors, repeatedly replaying the same events. They might also feel compelled to control every situation to prevent additional feelings of anxiety or detachment. These individuals can be particularly sensitive to rejection or prone to idealizing others, possibly resulting in an excessive fixation or reliance on their romantic partner. They might be highly sensitive to rejection or tend to idealize others, which could contribute to an intense fixation or dependency on their partner. Adults with anxious/ambivalent attachment disorder may also experience intense emotions, including episodes of jealousy and possessiveness. 2. Avoidant Attachment Disorder Avoidant adults may have developed detachment from others during their childhood when primary caregivers were aloof, absent, or critical. This could have arisen from a child's concern that they could not rely on adults to fulfill their needs, leading them to suppress those needs. Consequently, an adult with avoidant attachment disorder might not communicate their needs to others or seek help and may even feel disdainful towards those who do express their needs. This manifestation can lead to feelings of anxiety or discomfort with intimacy in relationships and a negative perception of others. People with avoidant attachment disorder may see others as untrustworthy or unreliable while considering themselves "too good" for others. This mindset could possibly serve as a defense mechanism against perceived threats or the instability of interpersonal dynamics. Potential Symptoms of Attachment Disorders Attachment disorders can lead to various psychological consequences in both children and adults. Some possible symptoms include: - A sense of isolation or resistance to warmth and affection from others - Difficulty acknowledging or processing positive emotions, resulting in rigidity - Potential alcohol or drug use, which may or may not result in addiction - Experiencing numbness or a diminished capacity for empathy - A potential disregard or disrespect for authority or rules - Possible mistrust in others - Potential impulsiveness Attachment disorders can be identified and addressed during childhood. Nevertheless, even if attachment disorder has not been treated in childhood, there is still the possibility of healing during adolescence or adulthood. Therapists are capable of assisting individuals struggling with attachment disorder in reconciling relational trauma and learning to connect with others. Pursuing Treatment One of the most effective ways to address adult attachment issues is to assist them in confronting the painful and traumatic events from their past. Part of this process may involve constructing a narrative that helps explain the potential reasons for these occurrences. This step can be crucial for healing, as children often develop their self-image based on their caregivers' perception of them. For instance, if a parent conveys the impression that a child is inherently flawed and undeserving of love, the child may likely accept this belief and carry it into adulthood, regardless of the parent's intentions. Hence, for many individuals, the therapeutic goal in adulthood is to develop a new narrative that allows them to forgive their caregivers and recognize their true value. By examining past pain through this perspective, those dealing with attachment disorders can decide to adopt new patterns and behaviors that align with this newfound understanding. This growth may involve fostering social skills and trust in others, such as learning to communicate honestly and openly with partners and the people around them. It is important to mention that, during treatment, medications might be utilized in cases where patients experience co-occurring depression and anxiety disorder(s). Such conditions may be common among individuals with any attachment disorder. How Does the DSM-5 Address Attachment Disorder? The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), currently acknowledges Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD), which can encourage those with symptoms to seek the help they require. In the future, the DSM-5 might incorporate additional subtypes or manifestations of attachment disorder to validate the experiences of a larger population. How Can Online Therapy Assist Individuals with Attachment Disorder? If you are dealing with symptoms of attachment disorder, online therapy could be a valuable resource. Licensed therapists can collaborate with you in the convenience of your home or another secure location to address childhood trauma, assist you in developing coping strategies, and guide you in redefining negative thought patterns, ultimately leading to an improved quality of life. ReachLink is a platform that can help connect you with licensed therapists. Is Online Therapy Clinically Effective for Individuals with Attachment Disorder? Over the past few decades, therapy delivery methods have evolved, leading many to question the clinical efficacy of online therapy for people with attachment disorder. Recent studies suggest that individual and family therapy sessions conducted virtually can be similarly effective compared to traditional in-person formats. The specific study mentioned also highlights potential advantages of online therapy, such as affordability, accessibility, and inclusivity, particularly for those experiencing financial or family-related difficulties. Key Points Attachment disorder can lead to difficulties in both childhood and adult life. Early intervention can be beneficial for mitigating and mending the damage caused by experiences that contributed to the development of attachment disorder. Even if you have grappled with attachment disorder for the majority of your life, attaining an improved quality of life may still be achievable with the aid of a licensed therapist or other forms of supportive intervention.