Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) is a serious mental health conditions in which children do not learn how to create loving and caring attachments with other people.

What are the symptoms, or warning signs, of Reactive Attachment Disorder?

RAD usually affects young children and can be difficult to diagnose.  There are two types of RAD: inhibited and disinhibited.

Inhibited RAD  

• Children shun relationships and attachments to virtually everyone
• Resisting affection
• Avoiding eye contact
• Difficulty being comforted
• Appearing to be on guard
• Avoiding physical contact or initiating contact with others

Disinhibited RAD

• Children form inappropriate and shallow attachment to virtually everyone
• Readily going to strangers
• Seeking comfort form strangers
• Exaggerating needs for help doing simple tasks
• Inappropriate childish behaviors

Not all experts agree on the symptoms of RAD.  Be sure to take your child to a mental health professional if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms to be sure.

How does RAD start?

Reactive Attachment Disorder usually occurs in young children that have been neglected, had severe problems or disruptions in their early relationships, or had multiple caregivers.  Many of the diagnosed children have been abused or received poor care in a hospital or other institutional setting.

Children and infants need to feel attached, comforted, and have their basic emotional and physical needs constantly met by adults.  The interactions must also be positive and warm so that the baby or child becomes trustful of adults and can attach in healthy manners.  Sometimes, if these basic needs are not met, a child can develop RAD.

Factors that can increase the risk for developing RAD include:

• Living in insitutaional care
• Frequent changes in foster care or caregivers
• Extreme poverty
• Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse
• Significant family trauma such as death or divorce
• Parents with an anger management problem or other mental health illness

Can RAD be cured?

If you suspect RAD in your child, it is important to bring them to a qualified mental health professional.  RAD can be very difficult to test for and diagnose.  However, without the proper treatment, the child’s social and emotional development may be permanently affected.

Treatment of RAD usually combines therapy, medications, and family education.  There is no standard of care of RAD and treatment can last for years.  Parents or caregivers may also be required to attend parenting classes to help give them the skills to cope with a child that has RAD.

RAD and the Military

Due to the high possibility of multiple long term deployments, some experts believe that military children can be at higher risk for RAD.  Again, you should see a mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

RAD Support in Jefferson County

There are many private providers and agencies that work with children’s mental health issues in Jefferson County.  Go to Working With TRICARE or Working With Martin’s Point to see if they are approved for military insurance.  The Children’s Clinic also has a lot of experience providing services for these issues.

Links for General Information about RAD

Mayo Clinic Reactive Attachment Disorder

RadKid.Org: RAD and Detachment Issues

American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry: RAD

Source:    Mayo Clinic.  Reattive Attachment Disorder