Reactive Attachment Disorder

Andrew Halls, Carisa Perry-Parrish, Ph.D.

DEFINITION

  • Disorder of infancy or early childhood characterized by a pattern of inhibited, emotionally withdrawn behavior toward adult caregivers
    • Rare, but when it does occur is most often in a child who has experienced extremely insufficient care (e.g., institutional upbringing, frequent foster care changes)
  • Reactive Attachment Disorder is classified under the Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders section of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5)[1].

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Last updated: September 3, 2017