Reactive Attachment Disorder in Adults: Guide to Reactive Attachment Disorder

Reactive attachment disorder is a rare but critical syndrome that occurs when a baby or young child fails to form secure relationships with their parents or other caregivers.

The primary bond we form with our parents can have lasting consequences. However, not all kids are born into ideal circumstances. Attachment disorders can arise when early attachments are shattered, most frequently due to child abuse or neglect. One of the consequences that could emerge is reactive attachment disorder (RAD).

Adverse childhood experiences can significantly deter our mental health. (Image via Pexels/ Ketut)

Symptoms of Reactive Attachment Disorder

The way we treat our children, often impacts their lifelong mental well-being. (Image via Freepik/ Freepik)

If a child's fundamental needs aren't satisfied with love, care, and nurturing, and solid bonds aren't formed with others, attachment disorders may emerge.

When in distress, a child with RAD is less likely to go for comfort. They might not exhibit many happy feelings, but when they interact with their caretakers, they may become more agitated, fearful, or depressed.

Even though dealing with attachment disorders may prove extremely challenging, recovery is achievable. Children can form bonds with one another and form healthy childhood and adult relationships with the right treatment, care, and coping mechanisms.

Infancy is usually when a reactive attachment disorder first appears. Beyond early infancy, there has been little research on the indications and symptoms of reactive attachment disorder, and it is still unknown whether it affects kids older than 5 years.

A hostile environment can have both short-term and long-term effects. (Image via Freepik/ Freepik)

Some warning signs and symptoms include:

Unfounded fear, unhappiness, irritation, or withdrawal
Depression and lethargy in appearance
Refusing to accept consolation or responding indifferently when it is offered
Refusing to smile
Being observant yet avoiding social interaction
No desire to play interactive games like peekaboo
Behavioural issues
Failing to ask for help or support

The child must be at least nine months old and have symptoms that start before the age of 5 in order to meet the diagnostic requirements for RAD. According to the study, clinicians need to rule out autism spectrum disorder (ASD). RAD and ASD symptoms frequently coincide.

Reactive Attachment Disorder in Teenagers

Around 1% of children and adolescents suffer from reactive attachment disorder. The teenage years present enormous challenges for parents and their parenting abilities when a child with a reactive attachment disorder is concerned.

Your child's demands may seem normal, yet they will still have behavioral issues and developmental delays. They frequently exhibit emotional growth similar to that of a young toddler. Whether your adolescent child with a reactive attachment disorder displays inhibited or disinhibited behaviors will determine the specific challenges you will encounter.

Reactive Attachment Disorder in Adults

While the manifestation may be different, adults are likely to display the same level of anxiety. (Image via Freepik/ Freepik)

RAD is typically thought of as a childhood condition, however, it can have serious consequences as an adult. Negative behaviors may persist into adulthood if the signs and symptoms of RAD are not treated in childhood. Also, a wide range of lifestyle pressures is frequently experienced by parents who have children with RAD due to their child's condition. If this illness is not treated in childhood, the diagnosis can also be made as an adult.

Adults who have RAD may endure severe impacts that interfere with their capacity to fully experience relationships, feel good about themselves, and maintain mental health.

RAD prevents mature adults from having a good sense of self, which prevents them from being able to fully experience relationships, whether they be romantic connections with an intimate partner, platonic relationships with best friends, or professional ties with coworkers. Also, they might not be in the best of mental s space overall. They frequently have dysfunctional thoughts, feelings, and behaviors as a result, which can affect how they interact with other people.

Adults aren't often given RAD diagnosis, although medical practitioners are aware that untreated childhood attachment issues can persist into adulthood. Children and adults have attachment disorder symptoms, with maturity and a better grasp of their environment being the key differences.

Reactive attachment disorder patients may improve their relationships with caregivers and others by receiving the right care. Learning how to build a stable, supportive environment and fostering positive interactions between children and caregivers are among the treatments for reactive attachment disorder. Counseling and education for parents and caregivers can be helpful.

Throughout this journey, you're not alone, and whether you have an attachment disorder as an adult or are a parent of a child who does, there is support out there, and there are others who can empathize. It is possible to create stronger bonds.

You can determine the appropriate course of action for your circumstances. Reactive attachment disorder is an example of how childhood experiences can impact our overall well-being and, therefore, it is important to be aware of its impact.

Janvi Kapur is a counselor with a Master's degree in applied psychology with a specialization in clinical psychology.

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