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Limited Bedding and Nesting as a Model for Early-Life Adversity in Mice
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[Disturbed early bonding and its consequences]

K H Brisch1

  • 1Kinderklinik und Kinderpoliklinik im Dr. von Haunerschen Kinderspital, Abt. Pädiatrische Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie, Pettenkoferstr. 8a, D-80336 München. Karl-Heinz.Brisch@kk-i.med.uni-muenchen.de

MMW Fortschritte Der Medizin
|March 13, 2002
PubMed

During the course of its first year of life, the infant develops a strong attachment to the person with whom it has most contact (usually the mother), to whom it turns for consolation when in pain, or protection when threatened. If the infant's bonding needs are not adequately met, rage, disappointment, or ambivalent feelings towards that person may result. The trauma of separation or loss, pronounced emotional deprivation, and abusive experiences are a major reason for disordered bonding. Early diagnosis, psychotherapeutic treatment of children with attachment problems and parent counseling or treatment are essential to prevent the problem from becoming chronic and to promote the development of adaptive bonding patterns.

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