User talk:Mauradavis/sandbox

--Mauradavis (talk) 19:01, 19 February 2012 (UTC)

What is RAD?'''
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Childhood mental illness can be genetic, but it can also be brought on by environment such as early childhood trauma. Until recent years, children impacted by early trauma were referred to as 'odd', 'emotionally reactive', 'peculiar' or worse. In recent years however, Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) is becoming more visible and ever more familiar.

RAD is an attachment-rooted mental illness. It is highly misunderstood, varies in severity and umbrellas several sub-sectors of psychological dysfunction. Until recently, RAD was considered rare; but RAD cases are being documented in abundance throughout the US, and other developed nations, as adoption has become a ‘trendy’ life-style choice and a noble, feasible option for infertile couples.

Children who are adopted, raised in foster homes, experience multiple foster placements, exposed to neglect, abuse and mistreatment, between the ages of birth and three, are far more likely to present RAD spectrum behaviors. Although not all adopted or traumatized children present, a predominant number of adopted and foster children suffer from RAD.

RAD can be a precursor to sociopathic tendencies, broad personality disorders and much more. Untreated, treated inappropriately or misdiagnosed, trauma-based mental illness often leads teens and adults to challenging life patterns such as general crimes, drug use, prostitution, unwanted pregnancy, incarceration, psychiatric hospitalization, suicide and homicide. The 2007 Cheshire, CT home invasion case is a perfect, high profile example of what can happen when a child with RAD/ PTSD does not get early, attachment-based, effective treatment and emotional nourishment.

Living with mental illness in ones immediate environment, every day, is profoundly difficult, especially when the individual is a child. It’s physically exhausting, emotionally painful, mentally distracting and incredibly disruptive. Their behavior and emotional stability are often peculiar and concerning, dangerous and disruptive. Everyone is affected. Thus far, professionals who treat RAD and PTSD in children disagree as to the best treatment protocols. Like Autism a decade or so ago, families dealing with RAD, are still judged and persecuted, not supported. I am the mother (adoptive) of one of these special children. Learn more: www.ATTACH.org Attachment Institute of New England Mayo Clinic