What Is Reactive Attachment Disorder?
Babies bond with adults who provide them with consistent, loving care.
They recognize the adults who protect them and calm them when theyre feeling stressed.
istockphoto
When babies struggle to form healthy relationships with a stable adult, they may develop reactive attachment disorder.
This can have profound effects on a child’s development and future bonds.
Symptoms
Reactiveattachment disordergoes beyond behavior problems.
A thorough examination by a mental health professional can establish whether a child has reactive attachment disorder.
An evaluation may include:
There are several other conditions that may present with similar emotional or behavioral symptoms.
History of the Diagnosis
Reactive attachment disorder is a relatively new diagnosis.
It was first introduced in the DSM in 1980.
In 1987, two subtypes of reactive attachment disorder were introduced; inhibited and disinhibited.
In 2013, the diagnosis was updated again.
The DSM-5 refers to the disinhibited pop in as a separate condition called disinhibited social engagement disorder.
Children with disinhibited social engagement disorder approach and interact with unfamiliar adults without any fear.
They are often willing to go off with a stranger without any hesitation.
A lack of stimulation and affection can also play a role.
In 2010, a study in Denmark found that less than 0.4% of children had reactive attachment disorder.
Its estimated that children in foster careand those who resided in orphanagesexhibit much higher rates of reactive attachment disorder.
A history of maltreatment and disruptions to a childs care likely increases the risk.
Sometimes, caregivers are encouraged to attend parenting classes to learn how to manage behavior problems.
For example, holding therapy involves a therapist or a caregiver physically restraining a child.
The child is expected to go through a range of emotions until they eventually stop resisting.
Unfortunately, some children have died while being restrained.
Another controversial therapy involves rebirthing.
Rebirthing became illegal in several states after a child suffocated.
This may put a child at risk for bigger problems as they grow older.
Researchers estimate that 52% of juvenile offenders have an attachment disorder or borderline attachment disorder.
The vast majority of those teens had experienced maltreatment or neglect early in life.
Early intervention may be key to helping kids develop healthy attachments earlier in life.
And the sooner they receive treatment, the fewer problems they may have over time.
The pediatrician can evaluate your child and determine whether a referral to a mental health provider is appropriate.
Early diagnosis and intervention are important because they are linked to better outcomes in children who have this condition.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
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Josefson D.Rebirthing therapy banned after girl died in 70 minute struggle.BMJ.
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