Reactive Attachment Disorder of Infancy (RAD)

Abstract

This is a review of current literature pertaining to the diagnosis of reactive attachment disorder of infancy (RAD). This disorder, which represents the nonorganic etiology of the general medical diagnosis of failure-to-thrive, is thought to be a result of disturbances in the bonding process. Characteristics of the child and the family and the historical development of the disorder and the theory regarding the formation of attachment are discussed. Actual and differential diagnoses and two perspectives regarding the causal relationship between the role of the environment and the disorder, in terms of effect on food consumption and hormones, are presented. An overview of treatment research regarding the degree of impairment is discussed. Three levels of preventive intervention are proposed.