Clinical Practice SWES Practice Exam

The behavior of a child clinging to a caregiver likely indicates which disorder?

1. Enuresis.

2. Reactive attachment disorder.

3. Autistic disorder.

4. Separation anxiety disorder.

The correct answer is: Separation anxiety disorder.

The behavior of a child clinging to a caregiver is most closely associated with separation anxiety disorder. Children with this condition often show excessive distress when separated from their primary caregivers, leading to behaviors such as clinging, crying, or tantrums. This reaction is rooted in their fear of losing the caregiver or being abandoned, which is why clinging is a prevalent response. In understanding this, it's important to note that while other options like reactive attachment disorder and autistic disorder can also involve attachment and social concerns, they manifest differently. Reactive attachment disorder is characterized by a lack of attachment behaviors towards caregivers, resulting in withdrawal and failure to seek comfort, which contrasts with the clinginess seen in separation anxiety disorder. Autistic disorder features a spectrum of social communication challenges that might involve some attachment difficulties, but clinginess specifically is not a defining behavior. Enuresis, primarily related to urinary control issues, does not connect to attachment behaviors and therefore does not relate to the described scenario of clinging.