Attachment Disorders in Children and Young People
Contents
Diagnosis and Treatment
A stable and secure attachment to primary caregivers is a key prerequisite for the emotional and social development of children and young people. In cases of childhood attachment disorders, this development of attachment is impaired. Affected children and young people often experience difficulties in forming and maintaining close relationships, as well as in dealing with closeness, distance and emotions.
Attachment disorders can manifest in various ways – ranging from insecure or ambivalent attachment behaviour to distant or non-selective relationship behaviour. The effects often impact everyday family life, social interactions and academic performance. An early specialist assessment can help to better understand these issues and develop appropriate support measures.
Treatment of Attachment Disorders in Childhood
At the Verus Clinic, we support children and young people with childhood attachment disorders, as well as their families, using a personalised, professionally grounded treatment approach. The aim is to provide guidance, support emotional development and make it easier to navigate relationship experiences in everyday life.
Our approach is holistic in nature and takes into account both psychological and physical aspects. Treatment takes place in a structured, supportive environment that conveys a sense of security, reliability and transparency. Trust, respect and professional care form the basis of our therapeutic work.
Based on a thorough assessment, the multi-disciplinary team at the Verus Clinic develops a personalised treatment plan. In doing so, they take into account the child’s personal history, family background and any existing stress factors.
Therapeutic Approaches to Attachment Disorders in Childhood
The treatment of attachment disorders requires a nuanced and multimodal approach. The focus is on supporting emotional development and fostering stable and secure relationship experiences.
Possible treatment approaches include, amongst others:
- Behavioural therapy techniques
- Systemic therapy involving the family and significant others
- Psychotherapeutic approaches based on depth psychology
- Attachment-oriented therapeutic work
- Support for parents and carers
In individual cases – following a thorough assessment by a specialist – supplementary medication may be considered, particularly for the treatment of associated symptoms. The choice of treatment is always tailored to the individual.
Symptoms of Attachment Disorders in Childhood
Attachment disorders can manifest themselves in various ways in children and young people and can have a significant impact on their daily lives.
Common symptoms may include:
- Difficulties in forming or maintaining close relationships
- Conspicuous or inappropriate behaviour in social situations
- Hyperkinetic or impulsive behaviour
- Emotional instability and marked mood swings
- Distrust or a lack of boundaries towards caregivers or strangers
- Non-selective attachment behaviour
- Fear of separation
- Low self-esteem and limited self-confidence
- Difficulties in regulating emotions or aggressive behaviour
Not all symptoms occur to the same extent in every child. Their severity can vary from child to child and may change over time.
Diagnosis of an Attachment Disorder in Childhood
At the Verus Clinic, the diagnosis of a childhood attachment disorder is based on a detailed medical history. This involves interviews with the child or young person, their parents or carers, and the treating specialists.
This involves recording the nature, duration and effects of the symptoms, and carrying out a detailed assessment to distinguish between possible physical and psychological causes. Additional diagnostic procedures may be used to enable a well-founded assessment and to lay the foundations for a personalised treatment plan.
Personal Advice
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Our treatment methods
How We Can Treat You and Help You
Diagnostic procedures at the Verus Clinic therefore include a detailed initial medical history, selected psychological tests and the latest neuropsychological assessment methods.
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Group Psychotherapy
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Individual Psychotherapy
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Relaxation Treatment
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Trauma Therapy
Treatment methods About the Treatment Trauma arises when our physical and/or psychological integrity is violated and the person affected is left feeling helpless, at the
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