Reactive Attachment Disorder: An Overview
Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) is a debilitating mental health condition that affects an individual’s ability to form and maintain healthy relationships with others. Affecting an estimated 1–15% of children and young adults, RAD is characterized by a persistent failure to establish healthy and meaningful relationships with parents, caregivers, and other individuals throughout life (Elu, 2017). RAD is often identified in children who have experienced some form of neglect, abuse, or instability in the early years of life. Individuals with RAD may display a range of behavioural, social, and emotional symptoms, such as difficulty trusting and connecting with others, difficulty regulating emotions, impulsivity, and aggressive or destructive behaviours (Elu, 2017). This article will provide an overview of RAD, its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
Symptoms
RAD is a complex disorder that can manifest in a variety of ways. The primary symptom of RAD is an inability to form an attachment to a primary caregiver (Elu, 2017). This can manifest in different ways, such as an inability to trust, connect, or show affection to people, or an inability to regulate emotions, such as feeling overwhelmed or anxious in social situations. Other common symptoms of RAD include impulsivity, aggression, and destructive behaviours (Elu, 2017). These behaviours can range from minor to severe and can be directed towards both people and objects.
Diagnosis
RAD is typically diagnosed in childhood or early adolescence, but may not be diagnosed until adulthood. Diagnosis is based on a combination of clinical observation, behavioural assessment, and a history of the individual’s early life experiences (Elu, 2017). The individual will also be assessed for any underlying mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or trauma, which may be contributing to their symptoms.
Treatment
RAD is a complex disorder and, as such, treatment is best approached from a holistic perspective. Treatment focuses on helping the individual to develop healthy attachment patterns, build trust, and regulate emotions (Elu, 2017). This may involve psychotherapy, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), or medication, such as antidepressants or mood stabilizers. Other treatment options include play therapy, art therapy, and parent training to help parents and caregivers better understand and manage the individual’s symptoms (Elu, 2017).
Conclusion
RAD is a complex mental health disorder that can have a significant impact on an individual’s ability to form and maintain healthy relationships. It is typically diagnosed in childhood or early adolescence, but may not be diagnosed until adulthood. Treatment focuses on helping the individual to develop healthy attachment patterns, build trust, and regulate emotions, and may involve psychotherapy, medication, and parent training.
References
Elu, L. (2017). Reactive attachment disorder: Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/reactive-attachment-disorder