Abstract
Child abuse and neglect affects the lives of many American children and can result
in physical injury and disability as well as psychological trauma. Reactive attachment
disorder (RAD) is one possible psychological consequence of child abuse and neglect
for very young children, younger than 5 years of age. RAD is described as markedly
disturbed and developmentally inappropriate social relatedness usually beginning before
age 5 years. These behavioral manifestations are the direct result of and come after
pathogenic care. To better understand RAD, it is first necessary to understand attachment;
therefore, attachment theory is examined. Risk factors for the development of RAD
are presented. Implications for pediatric nurse practitioner practice are explored.
The pediatric nurse practitioner can play a vital role in recognizing RAD and ensuring
that children with this disorder receive prompt mental health assessment and therapy.
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Biography
Gail Hornor is Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Children's Hospital, Center for Child and Family Advocacy, Columbus, Ohio.
Article info
Publication history
Published online: March 06, 2008
Identification
Copyright
© 2008 National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
