Anaclitic depression has two very different definitions in the psychological literature. Both have to do with attachment, but a different population group is affected in each type. An anaclitic type of depression is a term that is not widely used anymore, and is concerned with what happens if attachment to a caregiver is disrupted for a long period of time during the first year of life. The other may be more likely to occur in an adult therapeutic setting or in an adult relationship, when one person forms an extremely dependent attachment to others.
In anaclitic depression of the first type, the term evolved after observations were made in children in orphanages or hospitals, who lost a caregiver for an extended period of time. Even if these children were well cared for and their physical and medical needs were met, most of them began to have large losses or did not progress in their development. This is because the children did not have the opportunity to bond with a single, constant caregiver. Studies done on this topic tend to show that losses could be recovered if a single caregiver, such as a mother, were reunited with a child within six months. Beyond that point, some children exhibited retardation, social problems, or, in the worst case, would suffer such a significant decline that they might not thrive.
These findings are now part of what is understood about attachment disorder. Babies absolutely need a bond with a constant caregiver. Attention to physical needs alone is not developmentally appropriate, and this knowledge has helped reshape the way many hospitals and orphanages now function. In hospitals in particular, parents are encouraged to spend as much time as possible with a sick child, rather than being allowed too few hours to spend with their children.
The other form of anaclitic depression is also related to the types of attachments that people form, and the term can sometimes be used in psychodynamic therapy or interpersonal therapy. People with this condition feel weak, powerless, or out of control without the presence of certain people in their lives. This condition could evolve around a therapist and be an extreme version of transference, or it could relate to a relationship or friendship. The affected person may go to great lengths to try to maintain a relationship after it has ended. When this occurs in therapy, the therapist should note it appropriately and efforts should be made to help the person recognize and hopefully recover from this dependency. Ending therapy early can have very negative consequences.
Anaclitic depression of the second type is more of a loose label, intended to differentiate between different types of depression. The person can be diagnosed with depression according to the Diagnostic and statistical manuals (DSM). However, the DSM does not recognize this disorder as a specific condition. It can still be a useful diagnostic tool to better help those who are hyper-dependent on others.