How to Understand Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD)

1. How How t to Understand o Understand Reactive Attachment Disorder Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD (RAD) )? ? Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) is a psychological condition, which usually develops in children from nine months to 5 years old. Reactive Attachment Disorder is directly interlinked to emotional attachment or a feeling of security with the caregiver. In RAD, a child does not show any signs of emotional bonding or attachment for the caregiver, even though the caregiver portrays a sense of love and care for the child. These children have problems in trusting the caregiver and most of the time remain sad and anxious. Causes of RAD There is no particular reason for RAD but more often traumatizing childhood events are known to cause this mental disorder. These events could include childhood abuse, parental negligence, living life as an orphan in an orphanage, separation from caregiver when the child was emotionally bonded to the caregiver, or frequent transfer from one foster family or other. Whenever a child needs care and the caregivers provide them with immediate attention and care, the child develops a sense of security and emotional bonding with the caregiver. On the contrary, if a child is abandoned when they need love and care, they develop insecurity, anger, outrage, and sadness, which might lead to the development of RAD. a sense of Babies can also develop RAD if they are left in a soiled diaper for long, remain unattended, and if they are hungry and are not fed on time. Some other reasons why babies and children develop RAD are as follows: • Handled by multiple caregivers with no one giving them any particular attention, love, or a reason to bond Not given the attention they deserve Lack of healthy interaction as a child Faced a series of traumatic event in early childhood • • • Another major reason for a child to develop RAD is when the only way they can get attention is by acting or displaying disruptive behavior. Childhood RAD can cause severe problems as the child grows to be an adult. It is evident that such adults have behave compulsively, have trust issues in relationships, and become socially isolated.

2. Symptoms of RAD The symptoms of RAD can be summarized as follows: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Inability to show the expected emotional range when communicating with others Inability to show any emotions of love, regret, guilt, avoidance, and negligence Avoiding eye and body contact, especially with parents or caregivers Expressing anxiety Losing temper frequently Near-constant irritability Feelings of unhappiness and sadness Being argumentative Being extremely friendly and interactive with strangers while showing no emotions towards the caregiver. Types of RAD RAD can be of two types. These include: Inhibited RAD symptoms: In this type, the child is well aware of the situation and circumstances in which they are living but they do not respond typically to outside stimuli. Children show unresponsiveness and withdrawn symptoms towards their caregiver. Disinhibited RAD symptoms: In this type, the child may be too friendly with strangers. Children suffering disinhibited symptoms of RAD do not like their primary caregivers or develop an emotional bond with them. They react quite immaturely and try to seek attention from strangers. How Is RAD Diagnosed? Your child's doctor can evaluate RAD by asking about the behavior of your child that could show neglect from the primary caregiver. Your child's personal medical history, including childhood abuse, emotional negligence, etc., which is important to make a proper diagnosis. However, before RAD can be diagnosed, doctors need to rule out the chances of Autism, which may have almost similar symptoms. Treatment for RAD The treatment plan for RAD is customized as per the child and focuses on building a healthy relationship between the child and the caregiver. The treatment plan may include the following. 1. Counseling and psychotherapy: Psychiatrists work with parents and children in a variety of ways, sometimes alone with the child, sometimes with the caregiver, and sometimes with both of them together to help build emotional well-being. Family therapy: This includes combined therapy conducted with both the child and the caregiver to strengthen their emotional bond. 2.

3. 3. Social skill intervention: This therapy involves working with children and teaching them how to best interact with other children of the same age making them more sociable. Often parents are also asked to be involved to help their children apply the skills they have learned. Special education/Parenting skills classes: With special education at school children are taught to improve their skills and lead a normal life. While in parenting skill classes parents are encouraged to learn methods to deal and cope with their children suffering from RAD. Medication management: The use of certain psychiatric drugs can help relieve some of the anxiety symptoms that young people may experience during their stay in a RAD rehabilitation center. Individual therapy: This therapy is conducted once a week and allows patients to seek treatment as per the severity of the disease. Group therapy: This allows patients to meet people battling similar conditions. They are encouraged to participate in group and recreational activities such as dance, music, drama, etc. This type of therapy can also be combined with family therapy wherein the family also participates in the group activities. Psychotherapy: In RTCs, psychotherapy is combined with cognitive behavioral therapy, experimental therapy, and many other alternative and experiential activities to combat RAD. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. How Residential Treatment Centers can Help Cure RAD? Rehabilitation for RAD in a calm, organized, and family environment is very effective. This can be provided by an inpatient or residential treatment center (RTC) at its campus. An RTC provides a comfortable and therapeutic environment, for teenagers and children to get the care they need in a realistic and familiar home like environment. Such centers follow all the treatment protocols and are conducive to the child’s healing. When to Seek Help? Many children treated for RAD have established strong and healthy connections with their primary caregivers and others and have established models for important relationships in the future. Untreated children may have permanent emotional problems. If you notice any abnormalities in your child’s behavior which are similar to the symptoms of RAD, consult Medical Concierge immediately. Call our 24/7 helpline number 877-636-0042 to get information about RAD treatment centers or chat online with our trained executives. Early treatment can cure RAD effectively. For more information, please visit: For more information, please visit: - - https://mchealthrecovery.com https://mchealthrecovery.com