Co-existing Disorders and Misdiagnosis

Sometimes children who are diagnosed with Reactive Attachment Disorder are also diagnosed with co-existing disorders such as Bipolar Disorder or Sensory Integration Disorder. Multiple diagnoses are not uncommon.

On the other hand, some children with Reactive Attachment Disorder are misdiagnosed with disorders that have symptoms that mimic it such as ADHD Oppositional Defiant Disorder. This is not to say they cannot have these disorders. I feel that it is vital to make sure your child has been given the proper diagnosis. The only way to do that is to research the disorders and work with a professional who understands Reactive Attachment Disorder completely. See my Finding Help page to find professional help.

If you have a child with Reactive Attachment Disorder who also suffers from Bipolar Disorder but the Bipolar is not treated, they will have a very hard time healing from their attachment disorder. Conversely, if Bipolar is being treated but the attachment disorder is not, their will be problems with the healing process. The attachment disorder must be treated as well.

All issues must be weeded out, diagnosed and treated by a competent professional for healing success to be maximized. You are your child's best hope at recovery.