Reactive attachment disorder often affects children who have suffered from child abuse or neglect, and as a result, develop a distrust of other individuals. Therefore, they are unable to experience emotional bonds with other individuals. As a result of the child abuse that they have experienced, these infants have been unable to develop normal social and psychological behavior. In most cases, children who suffer from reactive attachment disorder begin to display the symptoms by the time they reach the age of five.
There are many symptoms of reactive attachment disorder. Often, children who are suffering from this disorder will not eat enough and will not be able to gain an adequate amount of weight. They will appear to be detached from other people and they will not like to be comforted by their parents or guardians. They might appear to be most comfortable when they are left alone. They may seem to be nervous or hesitant in social situations.
Infants who suffer from reactive attachment disorder may not enjoy taking part in the games that other children their age enjoy playing. They may always appear to be sad, or they may never smile or appear happy.
Toddlers may show two very extremely different outcomes of this disorder. Some toddlers may be very uncomfortable being around people and may try to avoid social situations. This is due to the lack of trust that they have developed in people. Other toddlers may be completely uninhibited and may seek to gain attention from everyone around them. This is largely to make up for the lack of attention and affection that they received from their parents or guardians when they were infants.
Reactive attachment disorder is a very serious psychological disorder. However, there is currently no standard treatment for the disorder. If a doctor feels that a child is suffering from this disorder, he/she may prescribe a variety of different approaches to help the child, including some medication and therapy.
It may be very difficult for the child to recover from the effects of child abuse and neglect. However, in order for the child to be able to lead a normal social life.
