Anorexia nervosa and attachment

Abstract

Introduction

Attachment is an innate programming whereby a child seeks for security. There is scientific and empirical evidence that insecure attachment is usual in eating disorder patients [1].

Objectives

To highlight the relevance of attachment between child and caregivers, as well as its significance in therapeutic approach.

Methods

A 17-year-old girl hospitalized after attending to emergency department due to fainting. BMI: 12.89. She reports restrictive behavior since age 11 that her mother regards as “child issues”. Divorced parents, she grew up with her mother, diagnosed of hypochondria, who mentions not understanding why she is not the one who is hospitalized.

Results

During hospitalization, she turned 18-years-old. Guardianship of her younger siblings was removed to her mother. She had a secure relationship with her 24-year-old sister, so she decided to move in with her. Later on, she had a positive progress, maintaining the gained weight and mood stability, although cognitive distortions persist.

Conclusions

Among developmental and maintaining factors of eating disorders, impaired attachment is becoming increasingly interesting. Even though the main goal of treatment is weight restoration, exploring attachment patterns can facilitate to achieve that aim. This clinical case emphasizes the importance of attachment in eating disorders among child and young adults.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.