attachment disorder

American  

noun

Psychology.

1. an emotional and behavioral disorder arising from a failure to form a strong bond with one’s primary caregiver in early childhood and affecting one’s social relationships in later childhood and adulthood.

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Etymology

Origin of attachment disorder

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

Christian Hall was later diagnosed with reactive attachment disorder, a serious condition that can sometimes make it difficult for adopted children to connect with and love their parents and interact with people.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 18, 2021

Alongside sensory processing issues, hypermobility, multiple allergies, a weakened immune system, digestive and bowel problems, anxiety and attachment disorder, Charlie is on the autism pathway and doctors are looking into a possible connective tissue condition.

From BBC • Apr. 25, 2019

The 16-month-old in Fritz’s care suffers from reactive attachment disorder, the result of being neglected during the critical early months of infancy.

From Washington Times • May 30, 2016

Often, struggling adoptive families are counseled by peers to consider the possibility of reactive attachment disorder, or RAD, a severe and uncommon condition that traditionally results when children’s earliest bonds are broken.

From Slate • Mar. 6, 2014

They also had the most severe reactive attachment disorder she has seen anywhere.

From Washington Post • Jan. 30, 2014