Causes of attachment disorder

Any of the following conditions -- especially occurring to a child under 18 months old -- puts a child at high risk of developing an attachment disorder:

Abuse (physical, emotional, sexual)

Neglect

Sudden separation from primary caretaker (such as through illness, death of mother, or sudden illness or hospitalization of child)

Undiagnosed and/or painful illness, such as colic or ear infections

Frequent moves and/or placements (foster care, failed adoptions)

Inconsistent or inadequate daycare

Chronic maternal depression

Teenage mothers with poor mothering skills

Marcia Alice Mitchell