Attachment Disorders in Adults: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

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Attachment disorders have long been studied in the context of children, but what happens when these issues persist into adulthood? Understanding attachment disorders in adults is crucial for both clinicians and those who struggle with these challenges. 

This article aims to shed light on what exactly attachment disorder in adults is, its symptoms, causes, impacts, and available treatments.

What is attachment disorder in adults?

Let’s understand attachment issues meaning first.

Attachment disorder in adults refers to a range of emotional and behavioral challenges stemming from unmet attachment needs during early childhood. These disorders often manifest as difficulties in forming and maintaining meaningful relationships, emotional instability, and a pervasive sense of insecurity. 

While the term “attachment issues” is often used colloquially, it’s important to understand that attachment disorders are serious psychological conditions requiring professional intervention.

Types of attachment disorders in adults

Attachment disorders in adults can manifest in various ways, affecting not only relationships but also mental health and overall well-being. 

Understanding these attachment styles is crucial for both clinicians and those who struggle with these challenges. Here are 5 types of attachment disorders in adults:.

• Anxious-preoccupied attachment

Individuals with anxious-preoccupied attachment are hypersensitive to rejection and exhibit compulsive care- and attention-seeking behavior. They are often preoccupied with their relationships and may suffer from anxiety if they feel insecure about their partner’s feelings.

• Dismissive-avoidant attachment

Individuals with this attachment style are emotionally detached and focus excessively on self-reliance. They are often dismissive of others and avoid emotional closeness.

The same review indicates that dismissive-avoidant individuals are hyposensitive to social interactions and tend to be socially isolated. This detachment often serves as a defense mechanism to avoid emotional pain.

• Fearful-avoidant (disorganized) attachment

This attachment style is a combination of anxious and avoidant behaviors, often resulting in volatile relationships. Individuals with fearful-avoidant attachment find it difficult to trust and depend on others, leading to a cycle of attachment and detachment.

According to the same review, individuals with unresolved/disorganized attachment are unable to cope with stress and suffer from pervasive affective dysregulation. This style is often the result of traumatic or inconsistent caregiving in early life.

• Secure attachment

Though not a disorder, secure attachment is the goal of treatment for attachment issues. Individuals with secure attachment feel comfortable with intimacy and independence, balancing the two in their relationships.

Securely attached adults have internalized a reliable relationship with their caregivers in infancy, allowing them to adapt to different social contexts and maintain an adequate equilibrium between self-regulation and interpersonal regulation of stress, as per the review.

• Earned-secure attachment

This is a learned attachment style where an individual has worked through their attachment issues to form secure relationships. They have often undergone therapy or have had corrective emotional experiences that have led to this secure attachment style.

Earned-secure attachment is not explicitly covered in the review, but it is generally understood to be a therapeutic goal, helping individuals move from insecure to secure attachment through conscious effort and emotional healing.

Symptoms of attachment disorder in adults

Understanding the symptoms of attachment disorder in adults is crucial for diagnosis and treatment. 

These symptoms can manifest in various ways, affecting emotional stability, relationships, and even mental well-being. Drawing upon scientific research, this section aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of these symptoms.

1. Difficulty trusting others

Individuals with attachment disorders often find it challenging to trust others, even those close to them. This lack of trust can lead to relationship issues and emotional instability.

According to a study by Anna Marganska, M. Gallagher, and R. Miranda, insecure attachment styles are generally associated with higher depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) symptoms, including difficulty in trusting others. This is often mediated by an inability to generate effective emotion regulation strategies.

2. Emotional detachment

Emotional detachment is another common symptom where individuals avoid forming close emotional bonds with others. They may appear aloof and indifferent to other people’s feelings.

The same study indicates that individuals with dismissive-avoidant attachment styles are often emotionally detached. This detachment serves as a defense mechanism to avoid emotional pain and is linked to higher GAD symptoms.

3. Fear of intimacy

Fear of intimacy is characterized by avoiding close relationships due to a fear of rejection or abandonment. This can lead to loneliness and issues in forming meaningful connections.

The study also suggests that individuals with fearful-avoidant attachment styles often have a fear of intimacy. They are unable to cope with stress and suffer from pervasive affective dysregulation, which contributes to their fear of forming close relationships.

4. Impulsive behavior

Impulsive behavior is often observed in individuals with attachment disorders. They may engage in risky behaviors without considering the consequences, leading to potential harm to themselves or others.

According to the same study, individuals with insecure attachment styles often display impulsive behaviors. This is particularly true for those with high levels of emotion dysregulation, which serves as a mediator between insecure attachment and symptoms of depression and GAD.

5. Low self-esteem

Low self-esteem is a common symptom where individuals feel a chronic sense of worthlessness or inadequacy. This can affect their confidence and ability to form relationships.

The study also highlights that individuals with preoccupied (or anxious/ambivalent) attachment styles often have low self-esteem. They feel unworthy of love but seek others’ acceptance, leading to a cycle of low self-esteem and emotional instability.

Causes of attachment disorder in adults

Attachment disorders in adults can result from various factors that disrupt healthy emotional connections. These causes shed light on the roots of these disorders in grown individuals.

• Early childhood neglect or abuse

Adults who were neglected or abused as children often struggle with attachment disorders. This is because early life experiences play a crucial role in the formation of secure attachments.

Attachment disorders in early childhood–clinical presentation, causes, correlates, and treatment by C. Zeanah and M. Gleason talks about the impact of early childhood neglect on a person.

• Inconsistent caregiving

Adults who experienced inconsistent caregiving during their formative years may develop attachment issues. This inconsistency can create confusion and insecurity, leading to difficulties in forming stable relationships.

The study titled The Importance of Early Life Experiences for the Development of Behavioral Disorders in Domestic Dogs by L. Dietz, Anne-Marie K. Arnold, V. C. Goerlich-Jansson, and C. Vinke discuss this.

• Parental loss or separation

The loss or separation from a primary caregiver during childhood can lead to attachment issues in adulthood. This can manifest as either an inability to form close relationships or forming overly dependent relationships.

The study titled Attachment Disorders in Early Childhood–Clinical Presentation, causes, correlates, and Treatment by C. Zeanah and M. Gleason discusses separation protest and comfort seeking from strangers.

• Lack of socialization

Lack of proper socialization during early life can also contribute to attachment disorders. This can result in difficulties in understanding social cues and forming meaningful connections with others.

The study titled The Importance of Early Life Experiences for the Development of Behavioral Disorders in Domestic Dogs by L. Dietz, Anne-Marie K. Arnold, V. C. Goerlich-Jansson, and C. Vinke discuss how lack of socialization can affect the attachment patterns in a person.

• Mental health issues

Conditions like depression or anxiety can exacerbate or contribute to attachment disorders. These conditions can make it difficult for individuals to form or maintain secure attachments.

Impact of attachment disorder on adult life

Attachment disorders in childhood can have lasting effects on adults. These people may struggle with forming healthy relationships, regulating emotions, maintaining employment, and experiencing overall well-being:

• Emotional dysregulation

Association between childhood maltreatment and adult emotional dysregulation by B. Bradley, D. Westen, K. Mercer, E. Binder, T. Jovanović, Daniel F Crain, A. Wingo, C. Heim shows adults with attachment disorders often struggle with emotional regulation, which can lead to mood swings, impulsivity, and difficulties in managing stress.

• Increased risk of personality disorders

Reflective function as a mediator between childhood adversity, personality disorder, and symptom distress by M. Chiesa, P. Fonagy reports attachment disorders can be a precursor to the development of personality disorders in adulthood. This often leads to difficulties in interpersonal relationships and emotional stability.

• Psychosocial impact

Psychosocial Impact of Living with a Stuttering Disorder: Knowing Is Not Enough by J. Beilby talks about attachment disorders that can have a significant psychosocial impact, affecting the individual’s self-esteem, social interactions, and overall quality of life.

• Impaired attachment styles

Association between childhood maltreatment and adult emotional dysregulation by B. Bradley, D. Westen, K. Mercer, E. Binder, T. Jovanović, Daniel F. Crain, A. Wingo, C. Heim discusses how adults with attachment disorders often exhibit disorganized or insecure attachment styles, which can affect their relationships and emotional well-being.

• Increased vulnerability to PTSD

Music therapy versus treatment as usual for refugees diagnosed with PTSD by B. Beck, S. Lund, U. Søgaard, and others say attachment disorders can make individuals more susceptible to conditions like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), especially if they are exposed to additional traumatic events in adulthood.

5 types of treatment for attachment disorder in adults

Here are some commonly recommended treatments:

• Psychotherapy

The Impact of Substance Use Disorders on Families and Children: From Theory to Practice by L. Lander, Janie Howsare, M. Byrne says that one-on-one counseling with a trained therapist can help adults understand the roots of their attachment issues and develop healthy relational skills.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Antisocial personality disorder: new directions by Jessica Yakeley, A. Williams reports that this form of therapy helps individuals become aware of negative thought patterns and behaviors, offering tools to change them.

• Group Therapy

The Impact of Substance Use Disorders on Families and Children: From Theory to Practice by L. Lander, Janie Howsare, M. Byrne discusses that sometimes, group settings can provide the social support and validation needed to address attachment disorders in adults.

• Medication

Poor Oral Health and Blood Pressure Control Among US Hypertensive Adults by D. Pietropaoli, R. Del Pinto, C. Ferri, and others show that while medication can’t treat the attachment disorder itself, it can be helpful in managing symptoms like anxiety or depression that often accompany attachment issues.

• Mindfulness and stress reduction techniques

Poor Oral Health and Blood Pressure Control Among US Hypertensive Adults: Results From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009 to 2014 by D. Pietropaoli and others say practicing mindfulness meditation can help individuals become aware of their thoughts and feelings and make it easier to control their attachment-related behaviors.

Commonly asked questions

Attachment disorders are emotional and behavioral challenges that often stem from early childhood experiences. 

They can affect both children and adults, impacting their ability to form healthy relationships and emotional bonds. This section aims to address some common questions about attachment disorders in adults and children.

• Are adults with attachment disorder capable of love?

Yes, adults with attachment disorders are capable of love, but they may struggle with emotional attachment disorders that make forming and maintaining relationships challenging. Their affection disorder may manifest as an inability to trust others or a fear of intimacy, which can make love seem elusive or complicated.

• What are the signs of attachment disorder in a romantic relationship?

Signs of attachment disorder in a romantic relationship can include extreme jealousy, emotional volatility, and a constant need for reassurance. Understanding what is attachment issues in relationships can help you identify whether you or your partner struggle with emotional attachment disorders.

• How can I communicate my needs to someone with attachment disorder?

Effective communication is crucial when dealing with someone who has attachment issues. Be clear, consistent, and patient in expressing your needs and boundaries. It’s important to understand what does attachment issues mean for them, as their perception of emotional needs may differ from yours.

• What are the challenges of parenting a child with attachment disorder?

Parenting a child with attachment disorder can be emotionally taxing and require specialized strategies. Challenges may include behavioral problems, difficulty in forming a parent-child bond, and resistance to discipline. Understanding where do attachment issues come from can offer insights into tailored parenting approaches.

Know more in this video:

• What are some coping mechanisms for people with attachment disorder?

For those dealing with emotional attachment disorder in adults, therapy is often the first step in learning how to treat attachment disorder in adults. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are commonly used. Coping mechanisms may also include mindfulness techniques and building a support network.

Forming positive bonds and attachment

Understanding attachment disorders in adults is the first step toward healing and forming healthier relationships. With the right treatment and support, it is entirely possible to work through these challenges and lead a fulfilling life. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with attachment issues, seek professional help to explore the best treatment options.