Reactive Attachment Disorder - Types, Symptoms, Causes & Treatments

Reactive attachment disorder (RAD) is a type of brainwave dysregulation that primarily develops in early childhood. However, the effects sometimes referred to as developmental trauma disorder (DTD), come from long-term child abuse and neglect.

To know more about reactive attachment disorder (RAD), continue reading below!

What Is Reactive Attachment Disorder?

Reactive attachment disorder is a severe but rare disorder where a newborn or young child fails to form secure relationships with their parents or other caregivers. It might develop if a child's fundamental care, comfort, and nurturing needs are not addressed. Also, reactive attachment disorder may result if children lack loving, solid bonds with others.

What Are the Symptoms of Reactive Attachment Disorder?

There are several indicators that a child may have a reactive attachment disorder. A few of those include the following –

Being annoyed without cause.
Not smiling.
Displaying signs of sadness and dread, especially around caregivers.
When an adult tries to comfort them, they don't feel better.
Easier to calm down when left alone.
Exhibiting no interest in or regard for those nearby.
Not joking around or engaging in participatory activities like peek-a-boo.
Not reacting when an adult pick up.

What Are the Causes of Reactive Attachment Disorder?

The causes of reactive attachment disorder are as follows –

Physical: Every child needs both physical and emotional care. Therefore how parents or other primary caregivers interact with a child impacts the perspective of the youngster's development. Also, a child's brain will develop differently when they receive inadequate or no emotional support. This results in a change in how their personality develops. This can also impact a child's perception and experience of interpersonal relationships.
Genetic: Reactive attachment disorder can develop in anyone. In this regard, genetic effects are thought to be a significant factor in a person's personality modifications but are not proven yet. Regardless, a parent might pass attachment problems on to a child through genetics.
Environmental: Reactive attachment disorder is thought to be most frequently caused by environmental factors. This encompasses the people, the house, and the environment of the child. For example, a child is more prone to develop an attachment disorder if caretakers prevent them from having a healthy, emotional, and caring relationship. In particular, children who experience frequent abuse and neglect will understand fear as their primary feeling and inevitably find a way to defend themselves. In addition, since they have never experienced attachment, they will unconsciously avoid any situation that can trigger it.

What Are the Risk Factors of Reactive Attachment Disorder?

Various factors might increase a child's risk of showing signs of a reactive attachment disorder. This includes –

Being raised in orphanages.
Changing schools frequently.
Being ignored by a particular social group.
Being evicted forcibly from a negligent home.
Hopping between various foster homes.
Being born into a family where the mother experiences severe postpartum depression.

How to Diagnose Reactive Attachment Disorder?

Reactive attachment disorder can be identified after a thorough, in-depth examination by a paediatric psychiatrist or psychologist. In this regard, the evaluation of your kid could contain –

Direct observation of parent-child or caregiver interaction.
Information on the behaviour pattern throughout time.
Examples of your child’s behaviour in different contexts.
Details regarding interactions with parents, caretakers, and other people.
Inquiries concerning the residence and living situation since birth.
An assessment of parenting and caring practises.

Psychiatric Diseases

The mental health professional caring for your child will also wish to look for any coexisting problems and rule out any other psychiatric diseases, such as–

Adjustment disorders.
Intellectual disability.
Depressive disorders.
Autism spectrum disorder.
Post-traumatic stress disorder

How to Treat Reactive Attachment Disorder?

Due to the young age of children with RAD, treatment for reactive attachment disorder includes counselling for both the child and the parents or primary caregivers. It frequently incorporates several various therapies, such as–

Individual counselling for the child, and occasionally for the parents as well.

Parenting classes to teach parents how to foster a close relationship with their child.
Treatment for the child, siblings, and parents in the family.
Services for special schooling can also benefit children with RAD.

When to See a Doctor?

You must opt for an evaluation if your child exhibits worrying symptoms that continue over time. This is because children with other disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder, or those without reactive attachment disorder may also show some symptoms.

Young children can show certain transient signs and symptoms, although they usually pass quickly, are not serious, or don't impair development. However, a medical expert should analyse your child to decide whether certain behaviours point to a more serious issue.

How to Manage and Prevent Reactive Attachment Disorder?

The simplest approach to avoid reactive attachment disorder in kids is to ensure they develop strong relationships with their parents or key caregivers. Positive relationships are created when caregivers –

Encourage the development of strong, dependable ties within the family.
Encourage kids as they go through different developmental stages.
Make kids feel loved.
Always take care of a child's basic requirements.

Finally, if you observe any signs of reactive attachment disorder in your child or notice that they struggle to form healthy relationships, get in touch with their healthcare practitioner for an assessment or recommendation. In most cases, children with RAD get better outcomes after receiving early diagnosis and treatment.

FAQs About Reactive Attachment Disorder

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What is the duration of reactive attachment disorder?

It is a lifelong disorder. However, treatment and support for the child can enhance their emotional and social welfare and help them form good relationships throughout their lives.

Can adults have reactive attachment disorder?

Yes. Although it is common in children, adults can develop RAD too.