Disinhibited attachment disorder

Disinhibited attachment disorder
Synonyms	Disinhibited social engagement disorder
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Indiscriminate sociability, lack of selectivity in attachment figures
Complications	N/A
Onset	Early childhood
Duration	Persistent
Types	N/A
Causes	Neglect, abuse, institutionalization
Risks	Social neglect, frequent changes in caregivers, rearing in unusual settings
Diagnosis	Clinical assessment, DSM-5 criteria
Differential diagnosis	Reactive attachment disorder, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Autism spectrum disorder
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Therapy, parental training, stable caregiving environment
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Variable, depends on intervention and environment
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

Disinhibited attachment disorder (DAD) is a psychiatric disorder that affects children and is characterized by an inability to form normal attachment behaviors. This disorder is often seen in children who have been neglected or abused, and it can lead to a variety of behavioral and emotional problems.

Symptoms

Children with disinhibited attachment disorder may exhibit a variety of symptoms, including:

• Lack of appropriate boundaries with strangers or casual acquaintances
• Overly friendly or familiar behavior
• Difficulty forming close, intimate relationships
• Impulsivity and difficulty controlling behavior
• Difficulty understanding and following social rules

Causes

Disinhibited attachment disorder is often caused by early life trauma or neglect. This can include physical or sexual abuse, emotional neglect, or inconsistent care. Children who have been in multiple foster homes or institutions may also be at risk for developing this disorder.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of disinhibited attachment disorder is typically made by a mental health professional who will conduct a thorough evaluation of the child's behavior and history. This may include observations of the child's interactions with others, interviews with caregivers, and psychological testing.

Treatment

Treatment for disinhibited attachment disorder typically involves psychotherapy and may also include medication to manage any co-occurring conditions such as anxiety or depression. Therapy often focuses on helping the child develop healthy attachment behaviors and improve social skills.

See also

• Attachment theory
• Reactive attachment disorder
• Child abuse
• Child neglect