[The differential relevance of attachment classification for psychological disorders]

In recent years, there is a growing acceptance of attachment theory in different fields of psychosocial medicine. This article reviews findings of clinical attachment research - mainly based upon the Adult Attachment Interview - related to three psychological disorders, i.e. Anxiety Disorders, Depression and Borderline Personality Disorder. Whilst there are some indications for a differentiation of de- and hyperactivating attachment strategies connected to depressive disorders, the findings related to anxiety and Borderline Personality Disorders clearly indicate a predominance of preoccupied attachment patterns combined unresolved traumatic experiences. The need for a further differentiation of attachment related features within clinical samples should be considered in the future. Specifically, a differentiation of "organized" vs. "disorganized" attachment representations seems to be promising.