Reactive attachment disorder in maltreated twins

This case report summarizes in detail the clinical course of twins referred for intervention after maltreatment at 19 months of age who were followed to 36 months of age. Data from comprehensive assessment of parent–child relationships in these cases are reviewed and this material is considered in light of numerous family and systems factors that impacted the twins' clinical course. Diagnostic considerations pertaining to Reactive Attachment Disorder and the post-traumatic symptom of dissociation are presented. Links between recent research models of brain development and symptom presentation is discussed.