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Trauma and stress

Reactive attachment disorder

It appears in children who have suffered neglect or lack of stable care: they hardly seek comfort from adults and show little emotional response.

Common signs

Doesn't seek comfort when they need itLittle expression of positive emotionsIrritability or sadness for no apparent reason

Tips

For you

  1. Needs stable, predictable caregivers
  2. Specialist intervention with the family
  3. Be patient: trust is built little by little

For family and friends

  1. Give them routines and stable caregivers
  2. Always respond to their needs, even if they don't ask

When to ask for help

  1. Ask for a specialist assessment as soon as possible
  2. If abuse is suspected, inform child protection services

Are you having a really hard time? If you're thinking of harming yourself, call 024 (free, 24 hours) or 112.

Warning signs

List of warning signs. Tick "Yes" for the ones you have noticed. There are 8 questions and you get your result straight away. Your answers are not saved or sent.

0 of 8
1. Hardly ever seeks comfort when sad or scared
2. Barely responds when comforted
3. Shows few positive emotions
4. Has episodes of irritability or sadness for no reason
5. Has experienced neglect, abandonment or changes of caregiver
6. Seems indifferent towards adults
7. Finds it hard to show affection
8. The symptoms started before age five
Also take the full attachment style test →

Free resources

Downloadable PDF sheetSigns, tips and resources to print or saveFree guide: Childhood and youthFree resource from Clínica Vivaldi

Related disorders

Disinhibited social engagement disorderTrauma and stressPost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)Trauma and stressAcute stress disorderTrauma and stressAdjustment disorderTrauma and stress

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Reviewed by María Teresa Fernández Vicente, health psychologist and neuropsychologist (registration no. CV17304), in November 2026. Educational information prepared by the Clínica Vivaldi team based on the DSM-5-TR classification. It does not replace a professional assessment and cannot be used to diagnose.