Attachment: clinical, neurobiological, and genetic implications
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Abstract
Introduction: The term attachment in the medical community is little known; however, it plays a critical role in human development since it determines the psychological and emotional characteristics of infants regarding their personality and the consolidation of their interpersonal relationships. Objective: To carry out a narrative review of the types of attachment, clinical associations, and genetic and neurobiological bases of forming a secure and insecure attachment. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in databases and academic journals covering the COMT, SLC6A4 - 5 HTTLPR, DRD4, DRD2, and OXTR genes. Results: Insecure attachment was found to be a risk factor for the development of depressive symptoms, psychosis spectrum disorders, suicidal thoughts and attempts, a higher proportion of attention deficit, and long-term use of psychoactive substances. Conclusions: documented genetic variations do not allow establishing a direct relationship with the type of attachment developed and its consequences. All genetic variations have a more significant influence if accompanied by adverse environmental factors, such as exposure to insensitive mothers, and other environmental factors, such as adverse childhood experiences.
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