What is the differential diagnosis for reactive attachment disorder?

Attachment Disorder Therapy – Center for Family Development. Frequently children with Reactive Attachment Disorder are mis-diagnosed with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), or Conduct Disorder (CD).

What are two significant differences between reactive attachment disorder and disinhibited social engagement disorder?

The disorders have similar patterns of insufficient care during early development, but those diagnosed with disinhibited social engagement disorder (DSED) appear more outgoing, as compared to the internalizing, withdrawn behavior, and depressive symptoms present in RAD.

What is the difference between DSED and RAD?

The diagnosis of RAD is made if symptoms become chronic. Children with DSED do not appear fearful when meeting someone for the first time. They may be overly friendly, walk up to strangers to talk or even hug them.

How serious is reactive attachment disorder?

Reactive attachment disorder is a rare but serious condition in which an infant or young child doesn’t establish healthy attachments with parents or caregivers.

Is Rad rare?

Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) is extremely rare and, yet, has been used as a diagnosis to treat children with a harmful treatment called “Attachment Therapy.”

What is inhibited RAD?

Inhibited RAD symptoms. Children are aware of what happens around them, but they do not respond typically to outside stimuli. Children showing inhibited RAD symptoms are withdrawn and emotionally unresponsive. They may not show or seek affection from caregivers or others, keeping largely to themselves.

Can you grow out of reactive attachment disorder?

Unfortunately, there is no magical cure for RAD. Because it is an acquired disorder and occurs during critical periods of brain development, there is no medication or medical treatment that can “cure” the illness or reduce the symptoms. However, children with RAD often have additional psychiatric problems.