For most children, forming positive attachments to caregivers comes naturally within a supportive, loving home environment. However, attachment issues in children can develop in some cases for a variety of reasons. When this occurs, obtaining a diagnosis for your child and finding an effective form of therapy can help set them back on a health path toward caring relationships with trusted caregivers.
Signs of Attachment Issues
Young children who are at risk of developing an attachment disorder show some tell-tale early signs, usually at a very young age. Attachment disordered in children usually form as a result of negative or unpredictable care environments, which leads to insecure attachments. This can include being exposed to abuse, having a caregiver with poor parenting skills, being exposed to drugs or alcohol before birth, or being raised by parents with psychiatric or anger issues.
Many attachment issues in children show up early in life, in some cases as early as one year of age. Early signs include a failure to smile, impulse control issues, bullying, a lack of fear of strangers and attachment to caregivers, and a withdrawn mood. Luckily, therapy has shown to vastly improve attachments issues in children.
Getting Help
Attachment issues in children, and even those leftover in adults with an origin in childhood trauma, can be treated through multiple types of therapy.
The first step to helping a child with attachment issues is to schedule an examination with a pediatrician or psychologist. The process might entail a number of steps, including an evaluation of the child’s caregivers and parenting style, an interview with you and the child’s other caregivers to assess symptoms and home history, and a physical exam.
The most effective treatment for a child with attachment issues is providing them with a stable home life. However, several other forms of treatment are also recommended to reduce their attachment issues. Psychotherapy will likely be recommended with a therapist one-on-one with the child and perhaps their caregivers, too. A doctor might also recommend family therapy so that the child and family can learn more productive and healthy ways of interacting.
Attachment issues often negatively impact a child’s life socially and academically in school, too. Part of an attachment issues treatment protocol will likely also include some social skills training to give the child tools to better interact with their peers.
Contact Bluewater Psychiatry
If you suspect a child in your care might be suffering from attachment issues, the first step is to schedule an evaluation so that you might both find a more positive way of living in the world. Bluewater Psychiatry is here to help. Among our many services, we offer full-service ketamine therapy for depression. Fill out the form below to find out more about this safe and effective option and begin taking charge of your life today.