Attachment disorder isn’t commonly understood, but it is helpful to know some of the key features and causes of this condition. Let’s look at what it is and how it is treated.
What is attachment disorder in adults?
This condition is created in childhood from early experiences, which later affect emotional well-being and relationships. It can create challenges such as emotional regulation and trust issues. If you can understand the signs of the disorder and its causes, it is easier to obtain the right support.
Examples of early childhood experiences that create attachment disorder are abuse, neglect, and inconsistent care, all of which create challenges in creating and maintaining positive relationships in later life. Other issues that stem from the disorder include difficulty expressing emotions, lack of trust in others, low self-esteem, and difficulty in emotional regulation. People can also struggle to understand other people’s perspectives and show empathy.
The types of attachment disorder
There are two types of recognised attachment disorder. Disinhibited social engagement disorder (DSED) is characterised by a lack of boundaries and over-friendly behaviour, while reactive attachment disorder (RAD) is seen in emotional withdrawal. These types are covered in mental health training courses Blackpool to help practitioners build their understanding and learn therapeutic interventions.
Treatment
Treatments for both kinds of disorder include medication, psychotherapy, and couples therapy during which adults in relationships seek to improve their ability to bond. Professionals in mental health conditions can learn more about the treatments by attending mental health training courses Blackpool, which will help them to better support individuals living with the condition.
As with many other mental health conditions, attachment disorder is not yet fully understood, with many myths persisting. People sometimes assume that it only occurs in children, but many adults live with the ongoing effects of childhood trauma. With the right support, therapeutic interventions, and medication where other aligned conditions occur as a result of attachment disorder, such as depression, sufferers can lead happy and healthy lives and gain a sense of control and understanding over their early life experiences.
