Reactive Attachment Disorder: Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment and Complications

Reactive attachment disorder (RAD) is a condition in which a child is unable to form deep emotional relationships with their carers or parental figures, typically as a result of early emotional abuse or neglect. Children with RAD find it difficult to regulate their emotions. They have trouble forming meaningful connections with other people.

 Even when their carers are the most loving and compassionate people in the world, children with RAD never ask for help or show signs of comfort, and they may even act scared or uneasy around them. Response to physical or emotional abuse or neglect increases a child's risk of developing reactive attachment disorder. 

Cause Of Reactive Attachment Disorder

The exact cause of reactive attachment disorder in children is unknown. Studies suggest that there could be several reasons why a child doesn't form a strong bond with their carers, including:

• Food insecurity: The young person isn't receiving enough food.
• Safety: The young person fears for their life.
• Poor personal hygiene: The child wears dirty diapers for extended periods without getting them changed.
• Numerous carers: The child does not know in whom to place their trust.
• Inconsistent caregiving leaves the child's needs unmet, particularly if they don't know when to expect comfort or incentives from their carers.
• Young children form positive relationships when their basic needs are consistently taken care of. This results in increased trust between the child and their carers. If a child's emotional and physical needs aren't met, they could develop RAD.

Also Read: Pseudobulbar Affect Disorder: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment and Complications

Symptoms Of Reactive Attachment Disorder

The symptoms of reactive attachment disorder vary from child to child. The following symptoms are typical of RAD in infants and young children:

• Not expressing happiness, love, or comfort when interacting with others.
• Don't touch or look someone in the eye.
• Exhibiting sadness or discontent frequently, or having tantrums to express anger or fear.
• Because they are looking for things in their environment that they can control, they are more likely to break the law.

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Risk Factors Of Reactive Attachment Disorder

Although less common, RAD can also affect older children. Kids who: might be more susceptible to developing RAD

• Given a variety of parental figures, similar to those found in many foster care environments.
• Were taken away after being emotionally attached to their primary carers.
• Had several heartbreaking losses when they were young.
• Having parents who did not try to establish an emotional connection with them.
• Spent time in a facility, like an orphanage, where there was no loving parental figure present.
• Adoptive parents may find it challenging to bond with their new family members if they are unaware of the child's past, especially if the child displays any emotional instability. If your child shows signs of RAD or you are having trouble bonding with them, see your child's healthcare provider for an evaluation.

Also Read: Schizoaffective Disorder: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment and Complications

Diagnosis Of Reactive Attachment Disorder

To diagnose reactive attachment disorder, your child's physician will inquire about your child's past medical history and current symptoms. To help medical professionals better understand your child's symptoms, they might ask the following questions:

• Has your child ever been the victim of abuse or neglect?
• When did you start to feel bothered by the symptoms?
• What immediately drew your attention?
• What is your child's communication style?
• What kind of living situation do you find yourself in?
• Does your youngster socialise with other carers?

If your provider suspects RAD, they may recommend that you and your kid contact a paediatric expert, psychologist, or psychiatrist to make an accurate diagnosis and offer beneficial therapies.

Also Read: Antisocial Personality Disorder : Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention and Complications

Treatment Of Reactive Attachment Disorder

The goal of treating reactive attachment disorder is to help children and their carers rebuild afraid or uncomfortable interactions as well as emotionally sound bonds. Children who get this kind of emotional support are better able to build more wholesome connections in the future. Treatment plans are advantageous for both children and carers. Potential therapy plan:

• Psychotherapy/counselling: To foster good emotional intelligence and reduce maladaptive behaviours that hinder bonding, a mental health expert collaborates with the child's parents.
• Family therapy involves the child and primary carers working together to foster constructive and healthy relationships.
• Social skills intervention: Teaching the child appropriate behaviour in social settings and with peers of the same age is the aim of this therapy. Usually, parents assist their children in using the skills they learn outside of therapy.
• Special education: If needed, school-based courses can help kids gain the abilities they need to succeed in the social and intellectual spheres.
• Parenting skills classes: In these sessions, parents can learn more helpful strategies for managing their child's difficult behaviours.

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Complications Of Reactive Attachment Disorder

Due to physical, mental, and social abuse and neglect, children with RAD are more susceptible to challenges throughout their early and teenage years. These problems could consist of:

• Delays in achieving developmental and physical growth milestones.
• Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and issues managing anger are examples of emotional illnesses.
• Eating issues.
• Sickness caused by substance usage.
• Issues with attitude and/or learning in the classroom.
• Relationship problems (first with peers, then with adults and eventually lovers).

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