Characteristics and impairments in functioning of attachment disorder in clinically referred children

Significant abuse and maltreatment in early development can have a multitude of negative impacts. This can include Attachment Disorders (AD), characterized by inconsistencies in seeking support or behaving overly familiarly with random adults. ADs can result in higher rates of impairments in multiple domains of functioning and reduced positive affect. The goal of this paper is to describe the characteristics of children and youth with a diagnosis of AD, among cases seeking mental health services. Assessment data for 20234 treatment-seeking children and youth aged 4 to 18 were obtained from 68 mental health agencies from Ontario. 480 cases of children with AD were selected and matched 1:1. Using the interRAI Child and Youth Mental Health instruments, differences between those with AD and those without, family characteristics, functioning, rates of polyvictimization, behavioural and emotional difficulties and other signs and symptoms were examined. Children with AD ((M age =11.7; SD = 3.2; males = 58.7%) faced higher rates of unstable family situations and harmful behaviours compared to their matched pairs (M age =11.7; SD = 3.3; males = 58.7%). Mothers of children with AD were younger and more likely to misuse substances, facing greater psychiatric challenges. Children with AD also experienced higher rates of polyvictimization and exhibited higher rates of comorbidity with other major disorders. These findings indicate the adverse effects of AD. Limitations and directions for future research are discussed. • Children with Attachment Disorder, compared to treatment-seeking counterparts, were more likely to: • experience polyvictimization in their lives. • be placed in foster care homes or child protective services. • have higher incidences of bullying, victimization, and exhibited increased likelihood of causing harm to others. • Mothers of children with Attachment Disorders were pregnant at a younger age and were more likely to have used alcohol or drugs during pregnancy.