Anaclitic Depression’s Historical Context
René Spitz published the first account of anaclitic depression in a journal article in 1945 [1]. She discussed her research on 123 infants aged 6 to 8 months who had been separated from their mothers for three months in 1946. Spitz noticed what she called a “striking syndrome.” The once-happy babies began to cry about 6 months of age and subsequently withdrew. They resisted interacting with those around them.
When prodded to participate, they at first cried or screamed, but after about three months, they ceased even crying or shouting. Some of the infants underwent weight loss, had trouble sleeping, and were more prone to colds or eczema. Subsequently, their general growth deteriorated.