Conditions & Diseases: Psychological & Mental Health

Reactive Attachment Disorder

See Also:
Reactive Attachment Disorder: Introduction & Overview
Reactive Attachment Disorder: Types
Reactive Attachment Disorder: Symptoms
Reactive Attachment Disorder: Causes & Risk Factors
Reactive Attachment Disorder: Treatment Options

Signs & Symptoms

Children that were neglected, abused, or frequently changed primary caregivers, protect themselves from emotional and physical harm becoming detached. Detachment is a psychological defence mechanism that allows the child to control the environment and the relationships they build with those around them (they will choose whom they love) in order to avoid disappointment and rejection. This way, they avoid being disappointed by somebody they never loved and cannot be abandoned by somebody they have never been loved by.

One of the significant indicators of reactive attachment disorder in children younger than 1 years old are abnormal crying patterns, they either rarely cry, or cry with rage (an abnormal behavior in young babies). Young children rarely verbalize and won't respond to adults' smiles. When hugged, they become limber and stiff and may try to wrestle away. These children are not interested in playing, but they can find entertainment in inflicting pain by pinching themselves or pulling their own hair.

Once they grow older, these children show an increased resistance to pain which makes physical punishment (spanking) an inefficient discipline method. They often display a charming and an inappropriate affection towards strangers, but once the adult gets emotionally closer to them, they respond aggressively. These children can physically hurt people around them (peers, sibling) and even animals without having any feelings of remorse. They can become fascinated with everything that shocks and repulses authority figures. They can lie, cheat and steal without feeling guilt.

Children with reactive attachment disorder display different symptom according to the disorder type.

Signs and symptoms of reactive attachment disorder, inhibited type include:

• Avoidance of eye contact
• Blank expression
• Preferring to play alone
• Avoiding physical contact
• Appearing to be on guard or wary
• Detachment
• Avoidance of receiving comfort and affection
• Engaging in self-soothing behaviors
• Inability to give and receive attention
• Failure to thrive
• Poor hygiene
• Appear bewildered, unfocused, or understimulated

Signs and symptoms of reactive attachment disorder, disinhibited type include:

• Indiscriminate sociability
• Seeking comfort from others (strangers)
• Constantly seeking attention
• Exaggerating needs for help doing tasks
• Inappropriate childish behavior
• Frequent wild tantrums when upset

Other reactive attachment disorder symptoms:

• Low self-esteem
• Inability to deal with stress and adversity
• Depression and apathy
• Susceptibility to chronic illnesses
• Obsession with food (refuse to eat, eats strange things, excessive appetite, hide food, hordes or gorges)
• Inability to develop and maintain friendships
• Alienation from parents or caregivers
• Lack of faith, compassion, remorse, and empathy
• Difficulties trusting others, being intimate, or offering affection
• Lack of self-control
• High tolerance to pain
• Lack of cause and effect thinking
• Pre-occupation with blood and gore
• Speech and language problems
• Difficulties learning
• Behavioral problems at school
• Cruelty towards animals
• Fascination with knifes

See Also:
Reactive Attachment Disorder: Introduction & Overview
Reactive Attachment Disorder: Types
Reactive Attachment Disorder: Symptoms
Reactive Attachment Disorder: Causes & Risk Factors
Reactive Attachment Disorder: Treatment Options

Article by Alina Morrow
MS Psychology
Medical Writer
OmniMedicalSearch.com