PTSD from Childhood Trauma as a Precursor to Attachment Issues

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dc.contributor.authorOwen, C.
dc.date.accessioned2016-10-03T15:03:53Z
dc.date.available2016-10-03T15:03:53Z
dc.date.issued2016
dc.description.abstractThe past 20 years have been turbulent regarding Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD), with conflicting research about its causes, effects, treatment, and prognosis. The current diagnostic criteria in the DSM-5 fails to adequately address this disorder. A number of deviant and maladaptive behaviors common amongst children with RAD are not even mentioned in the diagnostic criteria. As such, the diagnostic definition is almost unidentifiable or incompatible with real-life conduct manifestations of the disorder. Rather, this author contends that RAD is foundationally a unique and extreme form of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from Early Childhood Trauma. The child endured unspeakable neglect and/or abuse in his early years by someone who was supposed to protect him, and he, understandably, is terrified of trusting anyone lest that person harm him, too. These children dissociate and experience PTSD flashbacks to prior abusers when a new caregiver yells at them or has angry, disapproving eyes. The underlying issues are that child does not feel safe and does not trust his parents to protect him, due to past trauma. This author contends that this is the core causation of RAD and the myriad of behaviors that RAD children employ to maintain control of their environment. This etiological stance naturally leads to treatment implications. Treatment becomes systemic as well as individual. An explicit and detailed case study ties together all of the elements of this new etiology by addressing the presenting issues, case conceptualization, and treatment plan for a family with an adopted child. (Author Abstract)en_US
dc.identifier.citationOwen, C. (2016). PTSD from Childhood Trauma as a Precursor to Attachment Issues. Fidei et Veritatis: The Liberty University Journal of Graduate Research, 1(2), 1.en_US
dc.identifier.urihttp://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1036&context=fidei_et_veritatis
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/11212/2965
dc.language.isoenen_US
dc.publisherFidei et Veritatis: The Liberty University Journal of Graduate Researchen_US
dc.subjectchild abuseen_US
dc.subjectcase studyen_US
dc.subjectresearchen_US
dc.subjecttraumaen_US
dc.subjectpsychological effectsen_US
dc.titlePTSD from Childhood Trauma as a Precursor to Attachment Issuesen_US
dc.typeArticleen_US

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