Disruptive Behavior Disorders in Childhood and Adolescence: Attachment Models and Post-traumatic Symptomatology

Abstract

Introduction

In line with a consistent literature, young patients with disruptive behavior disorders in childhood and adolescence have experienced some traumatic events, such as abuse, rejection and violence assisted. Recent studies are focusing the attention on the role of attachment and post-traumatic symptomatology for a better evaluation of this clinical condition.

Objective

This study investigates attachment models and post-traumatic symptomatology in young patients with disruptive behavior disorders.

Aim(s)

The following objectives are set by the present study: – to evaluate attachment models in a group of children diagnosed with disruptive behavior disorders;

– to evaluate their post-traumatic symptomatology;

– to test the extent of the association between post-traumatic symptomatology and attachment organization in young patients with disruptive behavior disorders.

Method

Forty-two Italian patients aged from 8 to 15 previously diagnosed with disruptive behavior disorders are compared to 42 healthy control subjects. We administer the child attachment interview and trauma symptom checklist for children-adolescent.

Results

Insecure attachment are found in more than half of the patients diagnosed with disruptive behavior disorders and disorganization are highly over-represented. Furthermore, low levels of post-traumatic symptoms are found in young patients with disruptive behavior disorders.

Conclusion

This study suggests that attachment organization may be a fundamental element to be assessed in the evaluation of disruptive behavior disorders in children and adolescents. Nevertheless, traumatic experiences do not seem expressed through psychic symptoms. The clinical implications are discussed.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.