Reactive Attachment Disorder: Signs and Symptoms

Attachment issues fall on a spectrum, from mild problems that are easily addressed to the most severe form, known as reactive attachment disorder (RAD). Reactive attachment disorder is a condition where the child is unable to establish healthy attachment with their parent or primary caretaker. Children with RAD have been so disrupted in early life that their future relationships are also impaired. They may experience difficulty relating to others and are often developmentally delayed. Symptoms of reactive attachment disorder are commonly found in children who have been abused, bounced around in foster care, lived in orphanages, or taken away from their primary caregiver after establishing a bond.

Early warning signs of an attachment disorder

Babies will exhibit early warning signs of attachment issues, and these warning signs should be addressed immediately before they turn into RAD. Attachment disorders can be treated in time, but the earlier they are diagnosed, the lesser likelihood they are to cause severe problems in the future.

Symptoms of reactive attachment disorder in young kids

• An aversion to touch and physical affection: Children with RAD often flinch, laugh, or even say “ouch” when touched. Rather than producing positive feelings, touch and affection are perceived as a threat.
• Control issues: Most children with reactive attachment disorder go to great lengths to remain in control and avoid feeling helpless. They are often disobedient, defiant, and argumentative.
• Anger problems: Anger may be expressed directly, in tantrums or acting out, or through manipulative, passive-aggressive behavior. Children with RAD may hide their anger in socially acceptable actions, like giving a high five that hurts or hugging someone too hard.
• Difficulty showing genuine care and affection: For example, children with reactive attachment disorder may misbehave affectionate with strangers while displaying little or no affection towards their parents.
• An underdeveloped conscience: Children with reactive attachment disorder may act like they don’t have a conscience and fail to show guilt, regret, or remorse after misbehaving.

Symptoms of reactive attachment disorder in older kids

As a child with RAD grows older, their symptoms tend to change into one of two categories: inhibited and disinhibited.

• Inhibited symptoms of reactive attachment disorder: Extremely withdrawn, emotionally detached, and resistant to comfort. The child is aware of what is going on around them but does not react or respond to anything in their environment. They are likely to push others away, want to be alone, ignore others, and even act out aggressively if others do try to come close.
• Disinhibited symptoms of reactive attachment disorder: Does not seem to have a preference between their parents or strangers. They will seek comfort in anyone, without distinction. Tend to act extremely dependent and developmentally younger.

Symptoms of reactive attachment disorder in adults

RAD can carry on into adulthood if the child is not treated or if treatment was not 100% effective. The effects of RAD in adults can be significant and can interfere with the individual’s ability to experience relationships fully, have a positive sense of self and the individual’s mental health.