What is anaclitic depression and how does it occur?

Thehuman mindcan sometimes be fragile,thoughts and self-esteemare important values within it, which sometimes, even for the hardest, is difficult to understand and control.

In this sense, depressionis one of the most delicate issues regardinghuman psychology, every day affects more people, regardless of age or sex and is fatal if not treated properly.

In this article you will know one of its branches, anaclitic depression, how it occurs and what is the appropriate treatment to take against it.

What is anaclitic depression?

Anaclitic depressionis a term coined in mid-1946 byRene Spitz(1), a renowned psychoanalyst of the time. In the first observations, therelationship between children and mothersduring birth was studied, which at first was calledhospitalism syndrome, which gradually changed its term.

In this sense, Spitz refers to this as adepressive syndromeor psychic disturbances thatoccur in an infant (during the first eighteen weeks of life), whenhe is prolonged away from maternal affection. It commonly occurs in hospitals, which is why it is also called hospitalism and can last for several years.

Note: In the first monthchildren become crybabies, very demanding. While in the second month the cries are transformed into screams. This, in addition, stops the process of the development of the newborn.

es of anaclitic depression

The causes ofthis type of depressionare immediate, during the birth of the infant. Below we list the main causes of anaclitic depression, to take them into account:

Sudden withdrawal from parents

When a baby is born, it is important, almost mandatory, that the first thing with which he feels close is the mother and fathertag. Psychologically it is a symbol ofsecurity to the new worldtag. But thesudden and prolonged distance from them generates a deep Feeling of Lonelinesstowards the newborn. This being its main cause.

Note: A study mentions that “One of the necessary conditions for the child to change his expression, in many ways, is that he has had good maternal relationships before.” (two)

Affective Deprivation

This has to do with hugs, sweet and relaxing words or even Breastfeeding The Infant , because all these actions create a strong connection with the child and the mothertag. When these actions are deprived, it gradually turns into anAnaclitic depression.

Important: The previous study also mentions that ” The anaclitic depression syndrome shows the importance of the mother-child relationship for a good psycho-affective development, with the period of 8-18 months being the most critical”. (3)

Symptoms of anaclitic depression

There are certain important symptoms to recognize anaclitic depression , many are similar to those of habitual depression, so we list the following:

Absence of bodily and gestural expressions

An expressionless baby with anaclitic depression , even in a newborn, is not common. Gestures such as the first laugh, the first words or the Curious Movements of an infant disappear when he suffers from analytical depression, presenting himself as someone without any emotion.

Note: It is known that “Babies with anaclitic depression lose enthusiasm, joy and the desire to do all those activities that children enjoy so much.” (4)

Apathy for the environment

The baby does not feel curiosity or emotion about the environment in which it is, no matter how small they are, from a crib with stuffed animals, to playing in open spaces with the family. The baby lacks interest and attraction to things in life, when she suffers from anaclitic depression.

Language disorders

Anaclitic depression affects the development of infants’ language , the modulation of the first words or understanding the meaning of those that are mentioned around them, by family or acquaintances. So that serious language disorders are generated for the infant.

Note: There are three main types of language disorders: expressive, receptive, and mixed language disorder.

Lack of appetite

Babies with anaclitic depression withdraw from the desire to eat and nurture themselvestag. They have such a strongloss of appetite that the mother’s breastfeeding process is complicated, bottles or other means to feed the baby become obsolete as well.

Weightloss

Acea consequence of the loss of appetite,The BabyStops developing, both its body and its bones and internal organs. Causing, in the very short term, weight loss, very strange and uncommon in an infant.

sleeping difficulties

Anaclitic depression causes babies to cry , get no relief, and no way to fall asleep (as is common in many infants), making it difficult for them to sleep, tormenting themselves and the family around them. .

Delayed psychomotor development

, such as the brain, bones, muscles and nerves.

Important: Thanks to a study carried out at the University of Navarra , it is known that “Psychomotor development is different in each child and depends a lot on the environment, their genetic potential or their personal character” . (5)

Weakened Immune System

The immune system of babies is more delicate and fragile, anaclitic depression aggravates it even more.

As a consequence, they are more prone to contracting diseases from the environment, microorganisms, allergies and flu. This generates a consequentdeprivation of the central nervous system mainly.

Consequences of anaclitic depression

Analytical depression brings with it many serious consequences, not only for the child, but even for parents and relatives very close to him. Many of those are the following:

Disease vulnerability

By having a rather weak immune system, babies with anaclitic depression can easily contract different diseasessuch as pneumonia, otitis, flu or even different allergies in the environment. Many of them are difficult to treat in an infant.

Behavior problems

Babies develop behavior problems, the symptoms of which are manifested in never stopping crying, complaining or denying any kind of closeness to them, showing apathy and little interest in many things. It can be considered asDefiant babies, with no desire for anything. It is a serious consequence of analytical depression.

Inability to establish affective bonds

Because of anaclitic depression, it is more difficult to establish affective bonds, find meaning or have a memory about them at some point in life. Forthe affects are invisibleand non-existent. It is almost impossible to return that to an infant, when he suffers from anaclitic depression.

Death

Anaclitic depression, like depression in general, Can lead to death, as a final result of all the other consequences that come from this disorder, such as lack of appetite, little development of the body and the infant’s organism. . This becomes the most serious and undoubtedly the most hurtful.

Treatment for anaclitic depression

Fortunately there are several treatments,to be put into practice and to prevent anaclitic depression when it is present. Among these treatments, the following are summarized:

Renew the affective bond with the parents

The baby needs paternal affection and closeness , before, after birth and during the growth of the infant.

If he were to suffer during the first weeks or months, from this type of depression, it is necessary for parents to put a lot of effort to Resume an Affective Bond, it goes beyond hugs, kisses and lullabies. It requires presence and a lot of dedication of time.

Note: A study defines that “Paternal intervention must be adapted to each specific situation, but it must respond to the needs of the child, specifically.” (6)

Provide the necessary love and care

Affection goes in many forms , games, pampering the baby, spending time with presence, singing (which often soothes babies when they cry) or rocking them, are some of the many affections that can be provided.

In addition to necessary care such as baths, changing diapers and keeping them neat or in any case, very fresh.

Note: Attachment is vital to a baby, as defined by John Bowlby in Attachment Theory. (7)

Key Findings

• Anaclitic depression is suffered by babies or infants over eighteen weeks.
• It is a problem that can happen to any infant if it is deprived of parental affection.
• If not treated properly, it will lead to the death of the baby.
• Paternal affection and affection is of the utmost importance, before, after birth and during growth.
• The treatments are very easy and free to apply, but it must be done with heart and a lot of responsibility.