Attachment issues fall on a spectrum, from mild problems that are easily addressed to the most serious form, known as reactive attachment disorder RAD. Reactive attachment disorder is a condition where the child is unable to establish healthy attachment with their parent or primary caretaker. Children with RAD have been so disrupted in early life that their future relationships are also impaired. They may experience difficulty relating to others and are often developmentally delayed. Reactive attachment disorder is common in children who have been abused, bounced around in foster care, lived in orphanages, or taken away from their primary caregiver after establishing a bond. Although reactive attachment disorder is known as a childhood disorder, RAD can have drastic effects in adulthood.

Adult Attachment disorder AAD is the result of untreated Attachment Disorder , or Reactive Attachment Disorder , that develops in adults when it goes untreated in children. It begins with children who were disallowed proper parent-guardian relationships early in their youth, [1] or were abused by an adult in their developmental stages in life. Belonging to the study of attachment theory , causes and symptoms are rooted in human relationships over the course of one's lifetime, and how these relationships developed and functioned. Symptoms typically focus around neglect, dysfunction , abuse, and trust issues in all forms of their relationships.

The process of developing healthy emotional relationships is a key factor in attaining happiness and improving quality of life. However, a significant proportion of the human population lacks the ability to connect with other individuals and form meaningful relationships. This condition is referred to as an attachment disorder. Although this condition usually develops in childhood, it can continue into adulthood if left unrecognized and unaddressed. How Do Attachment Disorders Develop?