How to Diagnose Reactive Attachment Disorder

Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) is a mental illness that presents by the age of 5 years. While the exact cause of RAD remains unknown, there is a consensus that the disorder commonly follows disruptions in early relationships. Some children have been abused and others have received less than standard care in orphanages or other institutional settings. Identifying RAD early is important to treating the illness.

Instructions

• 1

  Watch the child's patterns of seeking affection. You may notice that the child will engage in affection on her terms only. Sometimes the child provides affection to strangers indiscriminately. The child may approach as if he wants affection, but then turn away.

• 2

  Notice if the child avoids direct eye contact with caregivers and other people. Sometimes the child will make eye contact, but only when angry or lying.

• 3

  Observe how the child reacts when in distress. Some children with RAD don't seek comfort from caregivers and may even seek comfort from strangers. Some children have difficulty being comforted at all.

• 4

  Understand that a child with RAD may be hypervigilant or appear to be on guard, wary or anxious in many situations. He may also be hyperactive and lack impulse control.

• 5

  Recognize that the child may be demanding and clingy at inappropriate times. She may have frequent tantrums over simple things.

• 6

  Be aware of lying for no apparent purpose. Sometimes lying manifests in false allegations about abuse or neglect.

• 7

  Know that a child with RAD may not demonstrate empathy and may not have a developed conscience.