Symptoms & Diagnosis of Reactive Attachment Disorder

Reactive Attachment Disorder: Symptoms & Diagnosis

Like better known conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Reactive Attachment Disorder manifests itself in behavior that can generally be described as anti-social. However, RAD children generally aren’t as "in your face." Rather, they are usually more withdrawn, somewhat similar to AD/HD patients who are characterized as inattentive, rather than hyperactive or impulsive.

Below are some specific symptoms of Reactive Attachment Disorder:

• They may experience severe colic and/or feeding difficulties.
• They don’t gain weight.
• They are detached and unresponsive.
• Comforting them is difficult.
• They are preoccupied and/or defiant.
• They are inhibited or hesitant to engage in social interactions.
• Conversely, some RAD children may be too social or familiar with strangers.

The physical, emotional and social problems associated with Reactive Attachment Disorder may persist as the child grows older.

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