Treatment of Reactive Attachment Disorder in Young Children: Importance of Understanding Emotional Dynamics

Abstract

Through an attachment lens, the case study reviews the treatment of a 4-year-old boy in foster care with the diagnosis of Reactive Attachment Disorder. A three-stage treatment was described to illustrate how an attachment informed conceptualization was translated into intricate steps of interventions leading to a successful clinical outcome. The case study emphasizes and highlights the importance to recognize and understand emotional dynamics that are rooted in attachment experiences and expectations. It offers important clinical insight into the emotional and psychological process this boy went through to finally reach the territory of recovery.