Attachment disorders develop when children have challenges with emotional attachments to others, especially parents, caregivers, and other close adults. These challenges may result in two primary attachment disorders: reactive attachment disorder (RAD) and disinhibited social engagement disorder (DSED). When left untreated, these can result in attachment disorders in teens, which can cause significant issues and even lead to risky behaviors.
If you struggle to connect with your teen, more than just normal teenage rebellion or indifference, treatment might help. Family First offers adolescent reactive attachment disorder treatment at our South Florida center. Our residential boys-only program helps teens 13–18; our partial hospitalization program (PHP) offers treatment for boys and girls in the same age group. Call 888.904.5947 to learn more.
Why Do Teens Develop Attachment Disorders?
Teens and adolescents develop attachment disorders in reaction to abuse, neglect, and/or maltreatment during early childhood. Many adolescents with attachment disorders spent time in out-of-home placement services, like foster care.1 The rapid change in caretakers may cause youth to lose their ability to trust and form relationships. As a result, they struggle with forming healthy attachments, impacting their emotional well-being and behavior.
RAD vs. DSED
Reactive attachment disorder (RAD) and disinhibited social engagement disorder (DSED) are both types of attachment disorders, but they have distinct differences. RAD is characterized by a child’s inability to form healthy attachments with their primary caregiver due to neglect, abuse, or other traumatic experiences. This can manifest in children as extreme withdrawal, avoidance of physical touch, and difficulty showing emotions.
On the other hand, DSED is characterized by an excessive display of indiscriminate affection towards strangers or unfamiliar adults. Children with this disorder may not have experienced significant trauma or neglect but struggle to develop appropriate boundaries and discernment when it comes to forming attachments. They may also exhibit attention-seeking behaviors and have a lack of fear towards strangers.
Signs of Attachment Disorders in Teens
Some common signs of attachment disorders in teens include:
- Difficulty forming close and trusting relationships
- Lack of empathy or emotional responsiveness
- Inappropriate attachment to strangers
- Control issues or aggression toward parents/caregivers
- Withdrawal and avoidance of physical affection
Teens with RAD may become confrontational, give up, or otherwise fail to move forward when faced with a challenge they’re unfamiliar with.2 Those with DSED may ask inappropriate questions or seek comfort from strangers, which can be dangerous as they can be inappropriately trusting in others.
Treatment Can Help
Since attachment disorders stem from childhood trauma and/or neglect, treatment should involve addressing and healing from those experiences. A combination of individual therapy, family therapy, and possibly medication can help teens develop healthy attachment styles. Expressive therapies, like sandtray therapy, art therapy, and equine therapy, can also help teens process their emotions when they can’t verbalize them effectively.
Involving the family in treatment can help parents and caregivers understand their teen’s needs better and learn how to support them in forming healthy attachments. With appropriate treatment, teens with attachment disorders have a higher chance of developing healthy relationships and improving their overall well-being.
Call Family First Adolescent Services for Help Today
Caregivers and parents who identify signs of attachment disorders in their teens should seek professional help as soon as possible. If you adopted your teen or if they experienced early childhood trauma or neglect, attachment disorders could be a contributing factor to their behavioral and emotional challenges. At Family First Adolescent Services, our compassionate team is dedicated to providing individualized treatment plans for teens struggling with attachment issues. Contact us today at 888.904.5947 or message us online to find out how we can help your family move forward.
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