Diagnostic of attachment disorders

After an introduction about the basic concepts of attachment theory the dia gnostic classification systems ICD, DSM and ZERO TO THREE are reviewed for descriptions and diagnosis of attachment disorders. It is demonstrated how over the last few years attachment theory has been partly adopted in those diagnostic systems. In addition different types of clinically relevant atta chment disorders are described. The authors argue that it would be necessar y to integrate attachment disorders on a broader base into the current diag nostic classification systems. The diagnostic importance of attachment diso rders and their impact on the technique of child psychotherapy are finally discussed.