Background: Adult attachment patterns influence the quality of close relationships, and they are therefore important for treatment planning in psychiatry.
Aim: This study compares the patterns and strength of adult attachment in patients with Axis I, Axis I+II disorders and individuals of a general population sample.
Methods: Patients were recruited from a psychiatric outpatient clinic, 72 with Axis I disorders and 72 with Axis I+II disorders. The patients and a normative community sample (n = 437) filled in the Experiences in Close Relationships questionnaire.
Results: The proportion of insecure attachment differed significantly between all groups: 40% in the community sample, 64% in the Axis I group and 90% in the Axis I+II group. On the dimensional anxiety and avoidance subscales, a similar significant gradient was observed related to the strength of attachment.
Conclusion: A definite gradient was observed concerning patterns and strength of attachment in relation to the severity of psychopathology.
Keywords: Adult attachment patterns; Axis I; Axis II; Community sample; Self-report.