Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD)

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses reactive attachment disorder (RAD). The paper explains that RAD arises from failure of developing a loving, lasting relationship with an attachment figure. The paper then looks at the two types of RAD - the inhibited and the dis-inhibited types. the paper also points out that adolescents who failed to bond with an attachment figure may also present with problems that reflect an inhibited type of RAD. The paper discusses the several controversies surrounding RAD and concludes that there is a need for the welfare sector to recognize the risks of being institutionalized.

From the Paper:

"Children who are institutionalized or are adopted often fall deprived of having formed a bonding relationship with their mothers. It has been said that the longer a child is institutionalized, the graver is the child's hunger for affection or withdrawal from others. However, problems of RAD are not exclusive among adopted children. A child who failed to form a concrete bond with his mother may develop RAD. The effects of reactive attachment disorder are often reflected throughout the various stages of one's life. A study involving toddlers less than 48 months old and were maltreated and subsequently placed in foster care showed symptoms of RAD. It revealed that these toddlers present with symptoms of RAD severely. The study also correlated the existence of maternal risks such as psychological problems, age, ethnicity, and history of substance abuse. It was seen that children of these mothers often showed RAD of the inhibited type (Zeanah et al., 2004). It should also be emphasized that these children often experience the effects of interrupted bonds long after they have formed attachments in the more favorable care giving environments of their adoptive homes."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Barth, R. P., Crea, T. M., John, K., Thoburn, J., and Quinton, D (2005). Beyond attachment theory and therapy: towards sensitive and evidence-based interventions with foster and adoptive families in distress." Child and Family Social Work, 10: 257-368.
• Chapman, S. (2002). "Reactive attachment disorder." British Journal of Special Education, 29(2): 91-96.
• Feeney, J. A., Passmore, N. L., and Peterson, C. C. (2007). "Adoption, attachment and relationship concerns: a study of adult adoptees." Personal Relationships, 14: 129-147.
• Hardy, L. T. (2007). "Attachment theory and reactive attachment disorder: theoretical perspectives and treatment implications." Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing, 20(1): 27-39.
• Kaplan, H. I. & Saddock, B. J. (2003). Synopsis of Psychiatry, 9th ed. PA: Lipincott Williams & Wilkins.

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