F94: Disorders of social functioning with onset specific to childhood and adolescence

F94.2: Disinhibited attachment disorder of childhood

As we develop we learn to develop relationships with other people. These relationships are also known as bonds. Bonds with close attachment figures are particularly important in childhood. They may be the child’s parents, for example. The bond with these attachment figures is very strong. We look to these attachment figures for consolation and security, for example. We do not usually trust other people as much. Your behavior towards these attachment figures and other people has changed.

With this disorder the bonds to one’s attachment figures are not very strong. One behaves in the same way towards one’s attachment figures as one does towards strangers. One may place unusually strong trust in strangers, for example. One may then look for consolation and security in strangers. One often becomes attached to indeterminate people, or attempts to be noticed. One may also be aggressive towards oneself and others.

The disorder begins in early childhood.