Childhood Adversity and Reactive Attachment Disorder in Adolescents: A Systematic Review

TL;DR

This paper reviews how childhood adversity affects attachment and mental health in adolescents, showing a link to Reactive Attachment Disorder.

Contribution

The study systematically reviews the relationship between early adversity and Reactive Attachment Disorder symptoms in adolescents.

Findings

Adverse Childhood Experiences are linked to increased Reactive Attachment Disorder symptoms in adolescents.

Adolescents with ACEs and protective measures show more RAD symptoms.

ACEs negatively impact secure attachment and contribute to RAD development.

Abstract

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), particularly those related to caregiving, can compromise the attachment bond that children establish with their primary caregivers. This study aimed to understand, through a systematic review, the relationship between ACEs that occurred in early life and the symptoms of Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) during adolescence. Using the PRISMA methodology, a search was conducted in the Web of Contents databases Science, ProQuest Central, PubMed and Scopus. The search yielded 1,443 results, of which only 8 met the inclusion criteria. The results show that there is a relationship between ACEs and a greater presence of RAD symptoms, as well as other mental health problems in adolescents. Likewise, those adolescents who are under some protective measure and have experienced ACEs, present more symptoms associated with RAD. It can be concluded that ACEs have negative consequences on establishing secure bonds, leading to more significant development of RAD and its maintenance during adolescence. The results can help to propose prevention and intervention strategies in vulnerable groups.

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