Understanding Reactive Attachment Disorder
When early experiences make trust and connection feel dangerous.
What Is RAD?
Reactive Attachment Disorder develops when a child doesn't form healthy emotional bonds with caregivers, usually due to neglect, abuse, or frequent changes in caregivers.
While diagnosed in childhood, the effects often continue into adulthood, affecting relationships and emotional regulation.
How It Affects Adults
Difficulty trusting others and forming close relationships.
Emotional withdrawal or seeming detached.
Difficulty understanding or expressing emotions.
Hypervigilance and difficulty feeling safe.
Struggles with self-worth and identity.
May alternate between pushing people away and desperately seeking connection.
Healing and Growth
Long-term therapy with a consistent, trustworthy therapist is essential.
Building one safe relationship at a time.
Learning to recognise and name emotions.
Body-based therapies can help process stored trauma.
Being patient with yourself — attachment patterns took years to form and take time to change.
Healing is possible at any age — the brain can form new attachment patterns.