LCP Fix Attachment Disorder - Clearfork Academy

Attachment Disorder

Attachment disorder can influence maladaptive behaviors. The most significant relationship in shaping mental health is the relationship formed between children and their primary caregiver(s). These relationships, to a large degree, determine who we will be as adults. Adolescents who did not have securely attached relationships as infants and children may suffer from attachment disorder. Attachment disorder in teenagers often manifests as low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety, which can lead to self-destructive behaviors such as substance use, promiscuity, eating disorders, and cutting.

What is Attachment Disorder?

Attachment disorder refers to a number of mood, behavior, and social issues that stem from a failure to form normal attachments with a primary caregiver in childhood. This can result in ongoing mental health issues even when the child reaches adolescence and adulthood. In addition, a child who is severely neglected or abused can suffer from a serious form of attachment disorder known as Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD). RAD symptoms include lack of eye contact, self-destructive behavior, lack of conscience, lying, preoccupation with fire, cruelty to animals, and poor impulse control.

Attachment disorders are typically caused by either emotional enmeshment or physical or emotional abandonment in early childhood. In emotional enmeshment, the parent or caregiver looks to the child to fulfill their emotional needs. Emotional abandonment is when the parent or caregiver is unable to meet the needs of the child due to preoccupation with their own or another person’s needs. A parent’s mental health issues or substance abuse can be a reason for emotional abandonment of a child.

To start with, attachment disorder symptoms or RAD behavior need to be stopped, so the teen can start practicing new, positive behaviors. To heal attachment disorder, teens need to build self-esteem, with the support of mental health professionals. From there, they can learn to create authentic connections and relationships based on mutual trust, safety, and respect.

It's Time to Make a Change

Ready to Begin the Path to Healing?

Call Today (817) 259-2597
Most commercial insurance accepted
Sleep Disorders in Teens
March 14, 2023

Sleep Disorders in Teens

Sleep deprivation is a condition that many teens suffer from chronically. And yet, they are at an age when both the quantity and quality of sleep are essential to their health and development. The American Academ...
March 7, 2023

How to Deal With a Rebellious Teenager

Being a parent is one of the most incredible experiences a person can have in their lifetime. But as they say, with great power comes great responsibility. Being a parent is not always easy. Once...
February 28, 2023

How Do I Help My Son and Daughter With Drug Addiction?

As a parent, discovering that your child is struggling with a drug or alcohol problem can be very distressing. Witnessing a child's addiction is heart-rending, and many parents feel a sense of gu...
February 24, 2023

What Is the Number One Drug Used by Teens?

Substance abuse comes with many mental and physical health risks, especially for young people because they are still growing and developing. It is reasonable for parents and guardians to worry th...

We Are Here to Help.

Contact Us Today to Begin.

1
2
3
4