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 [1Münch A.L., Hunger C., Schweitzer J. An investigation of the mediating role of personality and family functioning in the association between attachment styles and eating disorder status BMC Psychol 2016 ;  4 : 36

Cliquez ici pour aller à la section Références].

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

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.

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.

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.