Which pediatric condition involves emotionally withdrawn behavior towards adult caregivers?

The condition that specifically involves emotionally withdrawn behavior toward adult caregivers is Reactive Attachment Disorder. This disorder typically occurs in children who have experienced severe neglect or a lack of consistent care during the critical early years of development. As a result, they may exhibit a lack of attachment to their primary caregivers, leading to withdrawn behavior, difficulty in seeking comfort, and an apparent disinterest in forming emotional bonds.

Children with Reactive Attachment Disorder may also struggle to regulate their emotions and responses, making it difficult for them to engage appropriately with both caregivers and peers. This withdrawal is not simply a reflection of shyness or fear but is deeply rooted in their early relational experiences which significantly impact their emotional and social development.

Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder, on the other hand, is characterized by overly familiar behavior with strangers, which contrasts with the withdrawn behavior described in Reactive Attachment Disorder. Adjustment Disorder involves emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to a identifiable stressor but does not specifically refer to attachment issues. Pediatric Anxiety Disorders can manifest in various ways, including withdrawal, but they do not specifically focus on attachment to caregivers.