Reactive attachment disorder (RAD) is a situation where children are unable to experience a healthy connection with the primary caregivers because of receiving grossly negligent care, physical abuse, and sexual abuse. Normally, the attachment will develop if the child is constantly soothed, comforted and cared for by the primary caregiver. Lack of love and protection from the parent will lead to a child lacking the ability to appreciate other people’s feelings and becoming aware of his or her emotions thus developing RAD ("Reactive Attachment Disorder | Psychology Today", 2018).
Symptoms
Children suffering from RAD may be characteristically withdrawn emotionally. They experience sadness, fearfulness, and are irritable. Also, they may not respond back to being picked on or comforted. Similarly, they don’t trust other people rather they appear wary and watchful since they expect hostility and rejection. They are not playful nor do they experience any social interactions. Moreover, they experience developmental delays and have anger related issues.
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Treatments
A more supportive and caring family environment is helpful to children suffering from RAD. Moreover, caregivers who are emotionally omnipresent for the child play a vital role to lessen or even completely eradicate RAD symptoms. Parenting education and training is helpful for caregivers handling RAD affected children.
Medication
Though there exists no therapy or medication that directly cures RAD, children affected are often victims of numerous issues thus therapy and treatment of these issues are advised. For instance, attachment-based family therapy (ABFT) is offered by a qualified therapist to assist in repairing the broken parent-child relationship. Additionally, a repetitive daily routine of caring should be practiced to help the child regain trust and normalcy in his or her life. Also, play therapy is advised where the caregiver should always be present to let the child express their feelings through the context of the play.
Prognosis
A child affected with RAD exhibits a pattern of withdrawn behavior towards care providers. The characteristics may include shunning away from or maintaining little contact with caregivers for comfort when in trouble or embracing the comfort offered by caregivers. Likewise, the child may form selective attachments due to neglect or abuse from initial caregivers or constant change of caregivers more so if adopted. Additionally, children under the age of five years and not suffering criteria for autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, depression disorders and other adjustment disorders may be diagnosed with RAD.
Reference
Reactive Attachment Disorder | Psychology Today. (2018). Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/conditions/reactive-attachment-disorder
