Anaclitic depression: Causes, symptoms & more Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe What to know about anaclitic depressionMedically reviewed by Karin Gepp, PsyD — By Emily Cronkleton on March 30, 2022Anaclitic depression is a condition that relates to attachment and interpersonal dependency. It tends to occur in infants who experience neglect or separation from their birthing parent or primary caregiver. It can also affect adults. Individuals with this condition may place more importance on relationships instead of themselves. They may depend on another person to provide support and fulfill their needs. People with anaclitic depression often have a deep fear of rejection, separation, or abandonment, which can affect their relationships. Individuals may have trust issues, experience relationship anxiety, or develop an anxious attachment style. It is important to note that anaclitic depression is not an official diagnosis. It is more of a theory from a psychodynamic standpoint, to help formulate the development of a person’s depressed personality. This means that people will not get an official diagnosis of anaclitic depression, but a therapist may explore whether the person’s depression is anaclitic. This would then guide the treatment approach. Read on to learn more about anaclitic depression, including its causes, symptoms, and treatment options. Who does anaclitic depression affect Share on PinterestImage taken by Mayte Torres/Getty ImagesAnaclitic depression develops if an individual is separated from the person they rely on for an extended period. They may feel weak and helpless, especially if they experience interpersonal discord or think they may lose the relationship. Anaclitic depression most often affects babies separated from their birthing parent or primary caregiver for several months. This can cause several physical, cognitive, and emotional changes. These changes can affect their overall health as well as their development, personality, and relationships. In a 1945 article, psychoanalyst René Spitz discussed anaclitic depression in babies living in institutions. He noted that hospitalism negatively affected many babies, causing poor health, social withdrawal, and developmental concerns. Spitz suggested that this was due to a lack of care, stimulation, and love from their birthing parent or caregiver. Causes of anaclitic depression Most of the time, anaclitic depression is due to the separation between an infant and its birthing parent or primary caregiver. It can also occur when the caregiver is neglectful or unreliable. They may not provide the love, support, and attention necessary for the infant to feel secure. Anaclitic depression can also occur in people who have an anaclitic personality, which involves valuing relationships more than independence. People who have an anxious attachment style may also be more likely to develop this type of depression. Symptoms of anaclitic depression Adults or babies with anaclitic depression may not participate in daily life or interact with others. Common symptoms of anaclitic depression include: social withdrawalsleep concerns appetite changes weight losssadness loneliness anxiety agitationapathy apprehension lethargy distress crying Treatment for anaclitic depression Usually, anaclitic depression is transient, and symptoms ease when the baby reconnects with their birthing parent or caregiver. If this is not possible, the professionals providing care should ensure they meet the physical and emotional needs of the infants. Providing adequate love, attention, and nurturing may help the infants feel more secure. Risk factors for anaclitic depression Infants who experience maternal or caregiver separation are at greater risk of developing anaclitic depression. 2019 research suggests that individuals who do not form a secure attachment with their primary caregiver may be more likely to develop health concerns. Their attachment style may have a lifelong influence on their relationships and social interactions. Anaclitic depression in adults Adults with anaclitic depression often have an anxious or preoccupied attachment style and are likely to have interpersonal difficulties. They may place more importance on relationships instead of focusing on their autonomy and personal needs. Individuals may be overly dependent on another person and display a deep wish to be loved, protected, and nurtured. They may rely on relationships to feel stable and define their sense of self. Individuals with an anaclitic personality style may feel a strong need to form deep bonds with others. They may also crave the approval and acceptance of others. For some, the thought or threat of losing a relationship or experiencing conflict within it can exacerbate symptoms of depression. The results of a 2021 review suggest that people who have an anaclitic or sociotropic personality often display reactivity, depression, and helplessness. They may have changeable moods and experience separation anxiety. Adults with anaclitic depression may display: sadnessangerlow self-worthfears of abandonment or rejectiontrust concerns reclusivenessperfectionism indecisiveness An individual with an anaclitic personality may benefit from psychoanalysis, especially if they experience depression or negative emotions. According to 2020 research, psychoanalysis helps people with anaclitic personalities make positive life changes and learn to develop inner awareness. They learned to become more independent, stable, and self-aware while reducing their dependency and fixation on others. The individuals also improved confidence in relationships and the workplace. Summary When a person loses or is separated from a person with whom they have a strong attachment, they may develop anaclitic depression. This is linked to sadness, social withdrawal, and poor health. Anaclitic depression can occur in an infant if they are separated from their birthing parent or caregiver for an extended period. Usually, symptoms disappear when they reunite. Adults with anaclitic depression may have an anxious attachment style and place a high value on relationships, acceptance, and approval. Therapy can help them learn how to develop independence, form healthy relationship patterns, and make positive lifestyle changes. Last medically reviewed on March 30, 2022Uncategorized 6 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Anaclitic depression. (n.d.).https://dictionary.apa.org/anaclitic-depressionHuprich, S. K., et al. (2016). Interpersonal problems and their relationship to depression, self-esteem, and malignant self-regard [Abstract].https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26623538/Karakaş, N. M., et al. (2019). The importance of attachment in infant and influencing factors.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6666355/Marfoli, A., et al. (2021). Anaclitic-sociotropic and introjective-autonomic personality dimensions and depressive symptoms: a systematic review.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8680331/Rowold, K. (2019). What do babies need to thrive? Changing interpretations of 'hospitalism' in an international context, 1900–1945.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6913704/Werbart, A., et al. (2020). Love, work, and striving for the self in balance: Anaclitic and introjective patients' experiences of change in psychoanalysis.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7033473/FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Karin Gepp, PsyD — By Emily Cronkleton on March 30, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageWhat are the types of depression?Medically reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, PhD, PsyD There are several different types of depression, which is a common mental health condition. Learn about their symptoms and who is at risk in this…READ MOREWhat is depression and what can I do about it?Medically reviewed by Nicole Washington, DO, MPH Depression is a common mental health problem that involves a low mood and a loss of interest in activities. Learn more about the symptoms, different…READ MOREDepression in children: What to knowMedically reviewed by Carolyn Kay, MD Depression can occur in anyone, including children. In this article, learn about the signs and symptoms of depression in children, as well as how to…READ MOREWhat are the signs of mild depression?Medically reviewed by Marney A. White, PhD, MS Mild depression leads to changes in moods and behavior, which might appear normal. However, if left untreated, mild depression can become more severe.READ MOREIs there a cure for depression?Medically reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, PhD, PsyD Depression is a lifelong mental health condition. There is no cure for depression, but many different treatments are available to manage the symptoms.READ MORE