Reactive Attachment Disorder is commonly associated with which factor?

• A. Negligent care and lack of a primary caregiver
• B. Genetic mutation in serotonin transporter
• C. Overstimulation in early infancy
• D. Early therapeutic intervention

Answer: (A)

Reactive Attachment Disorder develops when a child experiences chronic neglect or a lack of a stable, nurturing caregiver in early life. Without a consistent primary caregiver to form a secure attachment, the child struggles to bond with others and regulate emotions, leading to the patterns seen in RAD. This makes negligent care and absence of a primary caregiver the factor most commonly associated with RAD.

Genetic mutations in serotonin transporters would point to a biological predisposition for mood or anxiety conditions, not RAD. Overstimulation in infancy isn’t linked to RAD, which centers on attachment disruption from caregiving instability. Early therapeutic intervention, on the other hand, is protective and can mitigate risk, not a contributing factor.