Attachment disorders in children

Overview

Children may not seek comfort, or may be overly friendly with strangers.

Stable, nurturing care is the main treatment.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Trouble bonding

Less common

• Trouble with comfort

When to get medical care

Causes

Neglect.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Children in foster care or orphanages: Highest risk
• Children with severe neglect: Highest risk

Possible complications

• Depression: Can develop later

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

• Consistent caregiving
• Therapy

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Stable, caring adults

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your child's pediatrician.
• They may send you to a pediatric specialist: a psychiatrist (for medicine) and a psychologist or licensed therapist (for talk therapy).

Living with it

• Keep a regular sleep, meal, and activity routine.
• Tell one trusted person how you're doing, and plan who to call on hard days.
• Limit alcohol and drugs. They often make symptoms worse.
• In a crisis, call or text 988 any time.
• Children may qualify for free early intervention services before age 3, and special education help (an IEP) at school.
• Long-term illness can affect mood. Tell your doctor if you feel down or anxious.

Support groups and helplines

• NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): Free support groups and a helpline (1-800-950-6264) for people and families.
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 any time for free, private support in a crisis.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people can keep working or going to school.
• Ask about changes that help, like extra breaks or a flexible schedule. Workers may be covered by the ADA. Students may get a 504 plan.
• The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) may let you take unpaid time off for treatment without losing your job.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Foster and adoptive families: Support programs help.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Many mental health medicines are used safely in pregnancy. Stopping suddenly can cause a relapse.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Mood problems can start during or after pregnancy. Postpartum Support International: 1-800-944-4773.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

For caregivers

• Learn the warning signs and when to call the doctor or 911.
• Keep a list of your child's medicines, doses, and doctors on your phone.
• Tell teachers, coaches, and sitters what to watch for and what to do.
• Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Many children improve with stable care.

Steady care helps children heal.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing this?
• What treatment do you recommend?
• Which therapies help?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Attachment disorders in children