Psychiatric Assessment and Fundamentals Q 19
Nurse Naomi would expect a child with a diagnosis of reactive attachment disorder to:
A. Have a more positive relationship with the father than the mother.
B. Cling to mother & cry on separation.
C. Be able to develop only superficial relationships with others.
D. Have been physically abused.
Correct Answer: C. Be able to develop only superficial relationships with the others
Children who have experienced attachment difficulties with the primary caregiver are not able to trust others and therefore relate superficially. Reactive attachment disorder (RAD) is a condition in which an infant or young child does not form a secure, healthy emotional bond with his or her primary caretakers (parental figures).
Option A: Children with RAD often have trouble managing their emotions. They struggle to form meaningful connections with other people. Children with RAD rarely seek or show signs of comfort and may seem almost fearful of their caretakers, even in situations where the current parent figures seem quite loving and caring. These children are often irritable or sad, and may report feeling unsafe and/or alone.
Option B: Although there is no exact cause, researchers believe that lack of an appropriate level of loving and consistent caretaking contributes to the development of RAD. Inadequate caregiving can make a child feel abandoned, alone and uncared for – all of which can prevent that child from developing a healthy and secure emotional bond with his or her primary caretakers.
Option D: Reactive attachment disorder is most common among children between 9 months and 5 years who have experienced physical or emotional neglect or abuse. While not as common, older children can also have RAD since RAD sometimes can be misdiagnosed as other behavioral or emotional difficulties.