Other Attachment disorders

[shimmerz]

I know I have Reactive Attachment Disorder (disinhibited type) (diagnosed and makes sense based on my background). I can't research right now as I am working on a deep emotional piece and my concentration is gone so please forgive if I am mislabeling this according to new guidelines of the DSM V.

It has had a profound impact on my relationships with others. A ton of different behaviours that I have been led to recognize by my healers. My relationships are changing dramatically as I notice the types of people i have been attracted to in life and am consciously correcting these. As I heal I am now able to be more selective in my interactions with others.

May I ask if there are others out there with Attachment Disorders? If so, I would be interested in your experiences.

 

[Pencil]

Me! Me! Me!

I have an interesting relationship with attachment based on a misunderstanding. Prior to my meltdown in 2012 I had zero interest in anything 'psychological' so I didn't know there existed such a thing as 'attachment'. I knew the word, but did not know that people got attached. I obviously knew attachment in the sense of 'My daughter is attached to her teddy bear', but thought that was something that she would outgrow. I actually confused attachment with codependency, and honestly thought reasonable adults do not attach. I associated 'attachment' with barnacles and limpid mines. Honestly.

When the second (in a string of 5) psychologist said I had an attachment disorder, I started reading, and was genuinely astounded to learn that humans are supposed to attach, and not only in response to need or aberration or perversity.

The psychologist did not, however, tell me what type of attachment I have, and it is clearly something I need to discuss with a psychologist. From what I've read I can't figure out if it is anxious avoidant or disorganised. I do know that my attachment fears create havoc in therapy. I also know that as an adult I seem to form normal attachments with friends. But the one child (OSDD in action) .... has other dynamics.

 

[Lady of Longbourn]

From a quick search...From what I can understand is that this disorder is just for children and it being used for adults has not been established yet.

 

[Pencil]

this disorder

You mean 'reactive' is used in relation to children. @shimmerz, I think the reactive disorder in children is disorganized in adults, but I'm not sure. In terms of our conversation earlier, it might be valid ...

 

[Lady of Longbourn]

@Pencil No, I mean this actual disorder. "There are few studies of long-term effects, and there is a lack of clarity about the presentation of the disorder beyond the age of five years..." I guess I am just confused becasue @shimmerz said they were diagnosed.

Shimmerz also asked about others with attachment disorders; It is an interesting and valid topic.

Sorry for taking over the thread. I am/was confused.

 

[open eyes]

Although I don't have it, I know other individuals well over the age of 5 who are diagnosed with it.

Its development is usually triggered by events that happened in the very early childhood.

 

[shimmerz]

Understood @Ayesha. Yes, you are correct, it is normally a diagnosis that is assigned to children. I have documentation from Children's Aid, so my T-doc stated that forensically, based on that documentation, I would have been considered a RAD child given my situation and the way Children's Aid described my behaviour both in foster care and in documented time with my adoptive parents. He suggested that many of my relationships are/were affected due to my situation. It is also true that there is little to no research on adults with a carry over of behaviours into adulthood with this condition but I think the Mayo Clinic puts it quite well.

They quote:

"There's little research on signs and symptoms of reactive attachment disorder beyond early childhood. It may lead to controlling, aggressive or delinquent behaviors, trouble relating to peers, and other problems. While treatment can help children and adults cope with reactive attachment disorder, the changes that occur during early childhood are permanent and the disorder is a lifelong challenge".

I am not certain if this is considered to be a proper reference on this board but I do know that the symptoms which are stated in the DSM V I have lived with all of my life. I am just breaking through them now with guidance. It has been painful. Due to the developmental stage with which we are talking here and the severity in which it afflicts the behaviour of children during their formative years, it does make sense that this disorder would carry on in life.

I am not certain what this board does with a posting like this but by all means if you feel it is inappropriate, take the appropriate actions. If you could just let me know if I have breached something I would appreciate it.

 

[Lady of Longbourn]

@shimmerz Sometimes staff post as staff but we are still members. I asked that as a member and nothing to do with me as a staff member. As staff, I am not sure what you are worried about that is inappropriate.

I can understand very much how a terrible childhood can effect the now. I can see this thread being useful to all that. I actually see it less about the diagnoses and more about the you now and you picking up the pieces and connecting the dots. Good job in that area.

Best wishes.

 

[shimmerz]

@shimmerz Sometimes staff post as staff but we are still members. I asked that as a member and nothing to do with me as a staff member. As staff, I am not sure what you are worried about that is inappropriate.

@Ayesha I have it now. I was wondering if in order to post something on the board, it had to be a recognized condition. Don't mind me, I am working on something as I mentioned above so am a little bit worried that I am going to say the wrong thing - which is exactly what my 'treat of the week' issue has been - so I appreciate your asking what I am worried about. Shows me why I haven't been able to post properly this week.

Thanks for your kind words although none are necessary as you were not putting across any disrespect whatsoever.

Best wishes back!

 

[shimmerz]

Me! Me! Me!

But the one child (OSDD in action) .... has other dynamics.

@Pencil, Can you help me to understand what you mean by this? How do you identify this? What type of dynamics and how did you figure out the contrast between the adult and the child at play (pardon the pun).

 

[Pencil]

@shimmerz, first of all, I posted at 2:am so I kinda missed the 'reactive' in your title, although not your post. So I don't identify with a reactive attachment disorder per se, although I have some attachment disorder.

With more than one of me, which is more that simply having an 'inner child', I have different parts, who have different attachment issues. As an adult I don't really attach. This whole issue is still new to me, so I'm still trying to figure it out. But it seems that in my friendships I like my friends, obviously, and we obviously have things in common, but a friend once said that I'm a very low maintenance friend. I asked her what she meant and she said I make no demands. I don't need my friends, and when things are bad I withdraw. Attachment behaviour apparently means 'seeking proximity in times of stress'. As an adult I don't do that. I remain very isolated both socially and emotionally.
ll
There are two children, one does not speak, does not interact. The other attaches violently. Sorry, got to go, will be back.

 

[ghotiff]

I'm no expert, but from Google (proper sources only). It seems that it is only diagnosed at pre 5 years old, as when the child ages, the symptoms change and diagnosis becomes difficult. If records etc are available of the pre-5 child, and adult symptoms are related ....then it would make sense to me that at least an informal diagnosis could be reached.

DSM-IV....DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA FOR 318.89 REACTIVE ATTACHMENT DISORDER OF INFANCY AND EARLY CHILDHOOD
A. Markedly disturbed and developmentally inappropriate social relatedness in
most contexts, beginning before age five years
...etc...