Attachment Disorder Site - providing hope and support.

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 diagnosis 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.

Characteristics of ADHD, Bipolar, and Attachment Disorder
This article by Dr. John Alston may help you differentiate between the symptoms of these disorders.
Dr. John Alston's Article

Any information on the Attachment Disorder Site does not replace professional advice. This site is my attempt to pass on my knowledge from reading and learning everything I could find on this issue so that I could help our son and maybe help others who are walking this same path.

The resources on this entire site are provided for your personal perusal. I have no way to guarantee the accuracy or appropriateness of any information or advice for a particular situation. Nothing on the Attachment Disorder Site constitutes medical, legal or other professional advice and I assume no liability or responsibility for any diagnosis, treatment, decision made, or action taken in reliance upon information contained on these sites including any sites linked to it or your use of the Internet.

Permission must be granted by Nancy Geoghegan to use any part of this site. Feel free to email me to discuss this matter.