Which eating pattern is described in Reactive Attachment Disorder?

• A. Eating without interest
• B. Selective picky eating only
• C. Overeating leading to obesity
• D. No change in appetite

Answer: (A)

Reactive Attachment Disorder involves disruption in forming secure, responsive relationships due to early neglect or inconsistent care. That disruption often shows up in how the child engages with meals and caregiving cues. Eating without interest aligns with the affective and attachment difficulties in RAD: the child may appear withdrawn, unengaged, or indifferent during meals and with caregivers, reflecting limited motivation to seek comfort or interact, including at mealtimes. In contrast, selective picky eating points more to ARFID or sensory/behavioral issues; overeating leading to obesity isn’t typical of RAD, which centers on attachment and regulation rather than eating patterns; and no change in appetite wouldn’t capture the withdrawal and lack of engagement characteristic of RAD.