Risk factors

The risk of developing reactive attachment disorder from serious social and emotional neglect or the lack of opportunity to develop stable attachments may increase in children who, for example:

• Live in a children's home or other institution
• Frequently change foster homes or caregivers
• Have parents who have severe mental health problems, criminal behavior or substance abuse that impairs their parenting
• Have prolonged separation from parents or other caregivers due to hospitalization

However, most children who are severely neglected don't develop reactive attachment disorder.