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Association Between Insecure Attachment and ADHD: Environmental Mediating Factors.
Ole Jakob Storebø1, Pernille Darling Rasmussen2, Erik Simonsen3
1Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Department, Region Zealand, Denmark ojst@regionsjaelland.dk.
Journal of Attention Disorders
|September 25, 2013
Summary
This review found a strong link between insecure attachment and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in both children and adults. Early interventions may help prevent attachment issues in ADHD patients.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Attachment Theory
Background:
- Psychological theories suggest a connection between insecure attachment and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
- Understanding this relationship is crucial for comprehensive ADHD assessment and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between insecure attachment and ADHD in pediatric and adult populations.
- To synthesize existing research on the link between attachment styles and ADHD.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature review was conducted.
- Searches were performed across PsycINFO, Medline, and EMBASE databases.
- Twenty-nine relevant studies were included in the final analysis.
Main Results:
- Parental attachment issues and environmental factors significantly correlated with childhood ADHD.
- Adults diagnosed with ADHD exhibited a notably higher prevalence of insecure attachment styles compared to the general population.
- The reviewed studies consistently indicated a significant association between ADHD and insecure attachment.
Conclusions:
- A clear association exists between ADHD and insecure attachment across the lifespan.
- Early interventions, including parent training and pharmacotherapy, may potentially mitigate attachment problems in ADHD.
- Further research is warranted to explore effective treatments for attachment deficits in adults with ADHD.
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