What Are The Symptoms Of Reactive Attachment Disorder?

Reactive attachment disorder is a rare condition that occurs when a young child or infant fails to establish healthy attachments to their caregivers or parents. The condition might develop if a child's basic needs regarding nurturing, affection, and comfort aren't met. Treatment can help children develop healthy and stable relationships with their caregivers. The usual treatments include counseling for parents and caregivers, psychological counseling, education about positive caregiver and child interactions, and creating a nurturing environment. While the condition can begin in infancy, it has been studied in children from infancy through five years old. There are a number of symptoms of reactive attachment disorder caregivers and medical professionals should be aware of.

Listless Appearance

Children with reactive attachment disorder may have a listless appearance. They may seem sad without any discernable reason for being sad. Listlessness might include a lack of reaction to outside stimuli, a lack of interest in the world around them, and a general lack of attachment. They might not smile even when caregivers try to engage them in fun activities. These are all signs an infant or young child is failing to relate to the world in an emotionally healthy way. It's important for these children to be evaluated by a doctor or psychologist. Sometimes a listless appearance is related to issues besides reactive attachment disorder, such as a sign of neurodivergence like autism spectrum disorder, or a sign of early mental illness.

Not Seeking Support

A child with reactive attachment disorder might not seek support even in situations where they need it. Preschool teachers and parents might notice children with this condition don't reach out for assistance or help even when it's needed, such as to get objects down from high places or help with homework. This can be attributed to an early failure to meet all of the child's emotional and support needs. If a child is not receiving the nurturing and support they need in their environment, they will learn not to seek it out. Failing to ask for assistance can make it more difficult for children to learn important life skills. It can also cause them not to ask for help in situations where they're experiencing serious distress.