Question 1

What is Reactive Attachment Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) is a trauma- and stressor-related disorder of early childhood characterized by markedly disturbed and developmentally inappropriate ways of relating socially. It occurs in children who have experienced extremes of insufficient care, leading to inhibited, emotionally withdrawn behavior toward adult caregivers and limited positive affect.

Question 2

What are the symptoms of Reactive Attachment Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Common symptoms of Reactive Attachment Disorder include: Rarely seeks comfort from caregivers when distressed., Rarely responds to comfort when distressed., Limited positive affect., Unexplained irritability, sadness, or fearfulness in nonthreatening interactions..

Question 3

How is Reactive Attachment Disorder diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

A. Consistent pattern of inhibited, emotionally withdrawn behavior toward adult caregivers, with both: (1) rarely/minimally seeking comfort when distressed, and (2) rarely/minimally responding to comfort when distressed. B. Persistent social and emotional disturbance with at least two of: minimal social/emotional responsiveness to others; limited positive affect; episodes of unexplained irritability, sadness, or fearfulness during nonthreatening interactions. C. The child has experienced extremes of insufficient care (e.g., social neglect/deprivation, repeated caregiver changes, rearing in settings limiting attachments). D. The care in Criterion C is presumed responsible for the disturbance. E. Criteria not met for Autism Spectrum Disorder. F. Evident before age 5. G. Developmental age at least 9 months. Specify if persistent (>12 months) and/or severe (all symptoms at high levels).

Question 4

What treatments are available for Reactive Attachment Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Treatment for Reactive Attachment Disorder typically includes medications, psychotherapy.

Question 5

Can Reactive Attachment Disorder be cured?

Accepted Answer

With early, stable, nurturing caregiving, many children show significant improvement; untreated, may lead to ongoing relational difficulties, emotional dysregulation, and risk for other psychiatric disorders.

Reactive Attachment Disorder

Overview

Description

Prevalence

Age of Onset

DSM-5 Code

ICD-10 Code

Diagnostic Criteria

Symptoms

Prognosis

Evaluation

Specifiers

Risk Factors

Comorbidities

Warning Signs

Impact On Life

Severity Levels

Treatment Goals

Prognosis Factors

When To Seek Help

Real Life Examples

Developmental Stages

Self Help Strategies

Treatment Approaches

Overdiagnosis Factors

Missed Diagnosis Factors

Seeking Help for Reactive Attachment Disorder?