Reactive attachment disorder of infancy or early childhood

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Treatment is twofold. The first priority is to make sure the child is currently in a safe environment where emotional and physical needs are met.

Once that has been established, the next step is to alter the relationship between the caregiver and the child, if the caregiver has caused the problem. Parenting skills classes can help with this. These skills give the caregiver an ability to meet the child's needs and help them bond with their child.

The caregiver should also undergo counseling to work on any current problems, such as drug abuse or family violence. Social Services should follow the family to make sure the child remains in a safe, stable environment.

Parents who adopt babies or young children from foreign orphanages should be aware that this condition may occur and be sensitive to the needs of the child for consistency, physical affection, and love.

These children may be frightened of people and find physical affection overwhelming at first, and parents should try not to see this as rejection. It is a normal response in someone who has been maltreated to avoid contact. Hugs should be offered frequently, but not forced.

A comprehensive mental health evaluation should be completed. This evaluation will be helpful in developing a treatment plan.

With appropriate intervention, the outcome can be improved.

If not treated, this condition can permanently affect the child's social interactions. It can be connected with post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and other psychological problems.

This disorder is usually identified when a parent (or prospective parent) is identified as being at high risk for neglect or when an adoptive parent has difficulty coping with a newly adopted child.

If you have recently adopted a child from a foreign orphanage or another situation where neglect may have occurred and your child exhibits these symptoms, see your health care provider.

Review Date: 06/13/2006
Reviewed By: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.