Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD)
Reactive Attachment Disorder is a complex psychiatric illness that can affect young children. It is characterized by serious problems in emotional attachments to others and usually presents by age 5. A parent, daycare provider or physician may notice that a child has problems with emotional attachment. Often, a parent brings an infant or very young child to the doctor with one or more of the following concerns:
Severe colic and/or feeding difficulties
Failure to gain weight
Detached and unresponsive behavior
Difficulty being comforted
Preoccupied and/or defiant behavior
Inhibition or hesitancy in social interactions
Some children with Reactive Attachment Disorder may also be overly or inappropriately social or familiar with strangers. The physical, emotional and social problems associated with Reactive Attachment Disorder may persist as the child grows older.
Most children with this disorder have had severe problems or disruptions in their early relationships. Many have been physically or emotionally abused or neglected. Some have experienced inadequate care in an institutional setting or other out-of-home placement (for example a hospital, residential program, foster care or orphanage). Others have had multiple or traumatic losses or changes in their primary caregiver.
These signs or symptoms may also be found in other psychiatric disorders. A child should never be given this label or diagnosis without a comprehensive evaluation. Treatment of this complex disorder involves both the child and the family. Without treatment, this condition can permanently affect a child's social and emotional development. Reactive Attachment Disorder is a serious clinical condition. Fortunately, it is relatively rare.
If a young child has a persistent problem with his or her behavior, parents should seek professional assistance from a mental health professional.
