Reactive attachment disorder of infancy or early childhood

Definition:

A disturbance of social interaction due to neglect of the child's basic physical and emotional needs. It can also be due to the child having multiple care givers, thus preventing them from making the appropriate bonds.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Reactive attachment disorder is caused by pathogenic caretaking by the caregiver. The risk of neglect to the infant or child increases with isolation, lack of parenting skills, teen parents, or a caregiver who is mentally retarded. Frequent changes in care givers is another cause of reactive attachment disorder.