When babies and young children do not have their basic needs for comfort, affection and nurturing met consistently by their parents or caregivers, they may develop attachment problems. This can have lasting effects, impacting the child’s emotional health and their ability to trust others. The problem may affect all aspects of a child’s life, including their social interactions, behavior, mental and physical health, relationships and intellectual development.
Reactive attachment disorder is a serious emotional problem that results from an infant or child not being able to form healthy and caring relationships with their caretakers, often due to severe abuse or neglect. It is a condition that can cause lasting emotional and behavioral problems, and it is important for these children to receive treatment.
Children with RAD rarely seek comfort when they are distressed and feel very alone and isolated. They tend to show little or no emotional expression and often act out in aggressive ways. They are often fearful of their caregivers and view the world as a dangerous place in which they cannot depend on others.
A child must be at least nine months old and experience severe emotional neglect or serious abuse to be diagnosed with RAD. They must also have experienced multiple changes in caregivers at a very young age. This is the only type of childhood trauma known to trigger RAD.
It is not clear why some children develop RAD reactive attachment disorders and others do not. However, a lack of consistent care and frequent shifts in caregivers can increase a child’s risk. In addition, if a child is exposed to sexual or physical abuse at an early age, this can significantly affect their future attachment and the way they react to other people.
While the symptoms of RAD can be difficult for a parent to cope with, it is possible to help a child overcome the disorder. It is very important for parents to try to understand the underlying causes of their child’s behavior and provide them with love and care. It is also important to remain calm when a child is misbehaving and to discipline them in a firm, matter-of-fact manner.
There are several different types of treatments for RAD, and most of them involve some combination of medication, talk therapy, family therapy and play. Some treatment centers use controversial therapies such as holding therapy, in which a therapist or caregiver physically restrains a child to encourage them to express their emotions. However, research has shown that these methods are not effective and can actually make a child more angry and withdrawn. It is important for parents to discuss their concerns with their doctor about the treatment options available to them for their child. He or she can recommend the most appropriate course of treatment for a particular child.