
RawpixelĪdults with reactive attachment disorder may experience sadness and fear of the unknown. There is no textbook treatment for RAD, but treatment goals usually focus on ensuring the child has a stable and safe home and has positive interactions with parents and caregivers to encourage the development of a healthy bond. Most young children are resilient even those severely neglected can develop healthy attachments in a safe, stable, caring environment. Children with RAD are believed to be able to form attachments, but their early experiences have hindered their ability to do so. Treatment For Reactive Attachment DisorderĮarly intervention may improve the outcome of treatment for people with RAD. These feelings may lead to isolation, anger, and depression. Adults with RAD often have trouble with complex emotions, like trust, compassion, remorse, and empathy, which can make it extremely hard for them to develop healthy adult relationships.

They may deny personal responsibility for their behavior and feel helpless due to a lack of personal relationships. Some children with RAD may have a strong need to control their environment and may not cope well with spontaneous changes in routine.Īs children with RAD reach adolescence and adulthood, they are more likely to engage in high-risk behaviors, like substance abuse, high-risk sexual behavior, and gambling, and are more likely to be incarcerated.Īdults with RAD can have various symptoms, including distrust of others, control issues, and anger issues.

Children with RAD may experience the following symptoms:ĭecreased ability to experience positive emotionsĭifficulty accepting emotional or physical closenessĮxtreme reactions when cuddled or held, including violence, rage, or self-injury The effects of RAD vary depending on age. If not identified and treated effectively in childhood, RAD can persist into adulthood, significantly affecting adult relationships. It can cause people to believe they must provide for themselves, even if they don’t have the means or knowledge to do so. Reactive attachment disorder affects the development of healthy bonds and attachment to others and impacts overall mental health. The criteria for autism spectrum disorder are not metĪsk An Expert About Attachment Issues Symptoms of RAD The disturbance is evident before the age of 5 years The child has a developmental age of at least 9 months The presence of persistent social and emotional disturbanceĪ consistent pattern of inhibited, emotionally withdrawn behavior toward adult caregiversĪ pattern of extremes of insufficient care
#Rad disorder blog manual
Criteria for Reactive Attachment DisorderĪccording to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), the criteria for diagnosing someone with reactive attachment disorder include the following: Fortunately, reactive attachment disorder can be treated in both children and adults.

RAD is more often observed in children under five, but it can persist into adolescence and even adulthood if not properly addressed. RAD affects children in many ways and may cause them to feel anxious or fearful around their caregivers or have trouble managing their emotions. Psychologists believe that RAD may result from childhood trauma or unmet emotional or physical needs. But what happens when an infant or child doesn’t form this bond with their primary caregiver? One possible outcome is reactive attachment disorder (RAD), a rare condition that can be diagnosed in infants, children, and adults. Attachment theory suggests that forming a close and loving bond early in life is essential for good mental health outcomes.
