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What is Reactive Attachment Disorders?

Reactive attachment disorder (RAD) is a condition found in children who have not formed healthy emotional bonds with their primary caregivers. This is often due to neglect, abuse, frequent changes in caregivers, or lack of caregiver responsiveness to their needs.

Children with RAD have difficulty establishing relationships and regulating their emotions.
RAD typically develops before age five but can persist into adulthood. Symptoms include lack of affection, excessive anger or sadness, unstable emotions, and improper social boundaries. RAD arises from disruptions in forming secure attachments early in life. Without treatment, it can impair future relationships.

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Long-term impact

Children with RAD often have trouble trusting others, struggle to make friends, and can develop antisocial behaviours. They tend to have low self-esteem and lack empathy. RAD puts children at higher risk for developmental delays, depression, substance abuse, and personality disorders as adults.

However, early diagnosis and intervention help children form more stable, healthy attachments and minimize long-term effects. With consistent love and nurturing, children can overcome attachment challenges.

Associated disorders

RAD is associated with developmental trauma disorder stemming from abuse or neglect. Posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorders, oppositional defiant disorder, and ADHD frequently co-occur with RAD. Dysfunctional neural pathways caused by a lack of early caregiving bonds contribute to these associated disorders.

Treatments

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Treatment involves psychotherapy like trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy, psychodynamic therapies, and parenting education. Establishing safe, stable caregiving prevents additional trauma. As trust develops, children learn to model and reciprocate loving behaviours. Medications are not used to treat RAD directly but may help associated conditions.

With compassionate care, the brain can still adapt and form meaningful connections. Though optimal bonding starts early in life, it is never too late to help children develop secure, healthy attachments.