|
A troubled teenage suffering from Reactive Attachment Disorder may be characterized by a lack of affection for one’s family. This may be quite difficult to understand for a parent, since how could one’s child lack affection for his or her own family. Well, this lack of affection could be traced back to a number of reasons. Namely, when the basic needs of a child are ignored or not met during the formative stages, the probability of Reactive Attachment Disorder developing is higher. Stress hormones are actually higher in those children that do not get the attention they need during their infancy and first years. This causes a reaction from the nervous system.
Possible causes of this disorder may be premature birth, unwanted pregnancy, the mother’s postpartum depression, neglect or abuse, being separated from the mother, trauma from hospitalization or adoption, and utero alcohol or drug shock.
The following are characteristics of Reactive Attachment Disorder:
Diagnosis
Reactive Attachment Disorder may be diagnosed through extensive questioning and the use of checklists created by mental health professionals. It may be treated through a routine of behavioral modification which involves not only the child but the parents as well. Biofeedback has shown positive feedback in terms of treatment also. Strategies and methods for coping are also taught to the patients. Residential treatment centers have been known for their programs in treatment of the disorder. Co-occurrence of disorders
Other disorders that may co-exist with Reactive Attachment Disorder are Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Conduct Disorder, and Substance Abuse. Treatment has been shown to have proper affect after an average of one year. It normally involves a daily exercises. It has been observed that the rate of success for treatment is higher in residential treatment centers, as the parents of the patient also take part in their teen’s daily therapy. Outpatient treatment may still be successful, yet the rate of success of inpatient treatment is still higher in most cases.
Steps to take
After going through the possible traits of a teen with Reactive Attachment Disorder and you think that your teen may be afflicted with the disorder, there are a number of steps you may take. First of all, you should get a professional’s opinion. The family doctor would be a good source. Have your child take a complete physical exam. Go through your observations with the doctor. You may ask him or her for a referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist with experience with RAD. Your teen’s school may actually be able to help you out. Possibly talk with a guidance counselor about the disorder and refer to their sources as well.
After going through the possible traits of a teen with Reactive Attachment Disorder and you think that your teen may be afflicted with the disorder, there are a number of steps you may take. First of all, you should get a professional’s opinion. The family doctor would be a good source. Have your child take a complete physical exam. Go through your observations with the doctor. You may ask him or her for a referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist with experience with RAD. Your teen’s school may actually be able to help you out. Possibly talk with a guidance counselor about the disorder and refer to their sources as well.
The following are professionals you may opt to talk to:
- Your family doctor
- Any religious or spiritual clergy for guidance
- An educational consultant that may aid in choosing an appropriate program for your teen
- Counselor or psychotherapist
- A teacher or guidance counselor at his/her school to aid with your son/daughter’s issues in class
There are a number of programs that can be open to your troubled teen in dealing with his or her RAD. You may consider inpatient programs which require hospitalization, outpatient programs, treatment during the day, and residential programs as well. |
