Reactive attachment disorder (RAD) stems from trauma and primarily affects kids. It develops when a child does not form a healthy, secure attachment with their parent or caregiver at a young age. If untreated, RAD can continue into adulthood and affect an individual’s relationships. Here are some causes and treatments for reactive attachment disorder:
Causes
Neglect
When children experience emotional deprivation, the
trauma of neglect could cause them to develop RAD. If they are left crying for an extended period without receiving comfort from their parents, they might learn not to count on others for emotional security. Prolonged neglect can also cause the child’s brain to react differently to stress.
Due to unmet emotional needs, their ability to develop trust is compromised, and their brain might also adapt to surviving in unsafe or unsupported environments. Without psychological treatment, this may make it harder for them to form healthy relationships as adults.
Abuse
If a child grows up in a home marked by physical or emotional abuse, they have a higher risk of developing RAD. When they feel fear or distress because they cannot trust the people meant to protect them, they might learn to associate relationships with pain. This could affect their ability to form safe connections with others. In foster care or adoption situations, a child from an abusive home may carry emotional scars, making it difficult to bond quickly with new, caring guardians.
Instability
For a child to have a healthy attachment to their guardian, they need stability. Frequently moving between caregivers or changing foster care placements may lead to the development of reactive attachment disorder. Regular changes can cause feelings of abandonment, fear, and insecurity. This can cause a child to withdraw emotionally and detach from others to protect themselves from more trauma.
Treatment for RAD
Effective RAD treatments address a child’s unique trauma and family history. Early intervention with the help of a psychologist helps improve the outcome. If you are caring for a child with the disorder, the following types of treatments may help:
Therapy
Taking a child to therapy helps them learn how to express their emotions and feel safe receiving affection. Psychological services offer different approaches to supporting children with a history of abuse or neglect. Attachment-based therapy is a method that focuses on building a relationship between a child and their guardian. In adoption cases, a child with RAD might receive attachment therapy to promote open communication and healthy interactions.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps children learn to navigate and respond to their emotions in a healthy way. If a child displays anxiety, withdrawal, or aggression, CBT teaches them how to cope with emotions and stressors. When a child feels overwhelmed, angry, or sad, psychologists can teach them deep breathing or journaling to manage these feelings.
Parental Education
Kids with RAD often benefit from consistent and patient care to rebuild their trust in adults. Some psychological services offer programs that teach parents how to provide a safe, predictable environment. Parents learn methods such as empathic listening, non-verbal communication, and positive reinforcement to encourage bonding. Instead of reacting harshly to challenging behavior, parents learn to remain calm and offer reassurance.
Get Trauma Help Today
If your child has RAD, psychological services can help them heal. Knowing the causes, such as neglect, abuse, and instability, aids you in identifying the root issues and getting them the care they need. Family therapy or social skills intervention may also help manage the behaviors and mindsets associated with RAD. Call a psychological service provider today and help your child develop strong relationships.
