What is Reactive Attachment Disorder in Teens?

Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) is a condition developed in infants or toddlers. It’s when children or infants don’t form healthy attachments to their parents. Healthcare professionals state that this disorder is rare but can be serious if left untreated. This rare condition isn’t only developed in young children but can be quite prevalent in teenagers. Outward signs of this disorder are similar to autism so it can be difficult to assess, however, studies show a 1% to 2% rate. To assist you, we’ve provided extensive information on what causes RAD, symptoms to look out for, and the best treatments for your teen.

What Causes Reactive Attachment Disorder?

Teenagers who exhibit Reactive Attachment Disorder may have had a primary caregiver who had a severe mental illness which made it difficult for the child to form a strong emotional bond with them. Moreover, teens can also develop RAD if their parents were involved in criminal activities or even substance abuse that affected their parental instincts and caregiving skills. Children who’ve lived in foster care or other institutions are also susceptible to developing RAD especially if they frequently change caregivers. On the other hand, it’s important to note that not all children who grow up with severe neglect develop RAD.

The Symptoms of Reactive Attachment Disorder

Symptoms for Reactive Attachment Disorder can be difficult to detect because it could be misinterpreted as something else like depression or autism spectrum disorder. To help you, we’ve provided common symptoms of RAD. However, you may need to get a full evaluation from a healthcare professional to confirm the diagnosis.

Unexplained Fear or Withdrawal

Adolescents with RAD fear being neglected and they may also develop other worries like going outside, speaking to people, or making friends. For self-preservation, they withdraw from you and the people around them. They’ll spend more time alone or doing something that doesn’t require interacting with the people around them.

Showing No Response When Comfort is Given

When comforted by a caregiver, a teenager with RAD may not show any emotional response such as love or affection. They may exhibit anxiety around their parents or caregivers even when they’re not abusive.

Throwing Tantrums

Children with RAD have a difficult time controlling their emotions. They may start to lash out at people who are trying to help them or throw tantrums in response to their fears. They may also exhibit violent behavior. 

Mental Health Treatment for RAD

It’s difficult to understand people who live with certain conditions such as Bipolar, depression, and anxiety. The same can be said for teenagers living with reactive attachment disorder as sometimes they don’t know why they’re reacting negatively to their caregivers. Therefore, the best help you can give to a teenager who has RAD is to provide them with the proper mental health therapy so they can start to form healthy relationships with the people around them. What’s more, therapy can help children who’ve experienced emotional neglect so they can start to understand their emotions and how to manage them.

How Families Can Cope with RAD

No matter what the cause of your teenager developing RAD is, there are ways you can cope with the disorder as a family. The important aspect is to build a strong relationship with your teen. These tips and strategies can help you through the most difficult stages of dealing with RAD in your child.

Staying Calm and Setting Boundaries

Teenagers who have Reactive Attachment Disorder will have several behavioral issues that can be frustrating for a parent. You must always stay calm when addressing issues with your child and establish healthy boundaries that both of you need to follow. For example, you may have a rule that your child keeps their bedroom door ajar but they argue that they need privacy. Try to establish a compromise and understand that teenagers do need their privacy and a quiet place to gather their thoughts. Discuss when the door should stay open and when it can be closed like when they’re studying or changing into clothes. Your child can also ask to set boundaries for themselves like asking you to knock on their bedroom door when you want to enter their space.

Healthy Communication Methods

To set healthy boundaries communication is key as you don’t want there to be any misunderstandings. When there are misunderstandings, it can make RAD symptoms worse. Moreover, you should always speak to each other respectfully. Try not to shout or demean your teenager.  Allow your child to express themselves but also make it clear that they must also be respectful toward you.

Building Trust

Building trust means being completely honest and open with one another. Share stories that you think may bring you two closer together. Make it known that your child can speak to you when they’re feeling depressed or detached. They may not open up to you in social situations so try to build a bond with your child in a setting that’s comfortable and safe for them. This way they can form stable attachments without the fear of being judged. 

Seeking Professional Help

There are many treatment plans you can choose to help your teen cope with RAD. You can build a healthy attachment with your child if you opt for family therapy. A therapist can provide a space where you can transform your negative attachments into positive interactions.  A mental health professional can also help your child form a secure attachment to you and even improve their social interactions. 

Wrapping Thing up about Reactive Attachment Disorder in Teens

Teenagers living with mental disorders can cause a strain on family dynamics, especially if you don’t know how to treat the situation.  But with the right help from a therapist and treatment center like Liahona, your teenager can get help and treatment for their mental health conditions and start building healthy relationships with you and the people around them.