Because RAD is lacking a background of significant research due to its rarity, the causes and risk factors as to why children develop reactive attachment disorder are not entirely conclusive. Some examples of causes that have been linked to possibly impacting the development of RAD include:
Central Nervous System (Brain and Spinal Cord) and Peripheral Nervous System (Cranial Nerves, Spinal Nerves, and Ganglia). This is the control center for the entire nervous system.All body sensations must be relayed from receptors to the CNS if they are to be interpreted and acted on. All of the nerve impulses that stimulate muscles to contract and glands to secrete must also originate in the CNS.
The cause of CNH appears to be pressure between the head and the pillow at night. CNH occurs in people who sleep predominantly on one side. It can be precipitated by minor trauma, such as tight headgear or a telephone headset, or by exposure to cold. Reduction in the local blood supply of the ear by a chilblain or with aging prevents adequate healing. Chondrodermatitis nodularis chronica helicis (CNH) is a painful inflammatory condition affecting the ear. It is sometimes called Winkler disease. CNH is most often seen in middle-aged or elderly men but may also affect women and younger adults. It results in a benign tender lump in the cartilaginous portion of the ear. The helix (thus helicis) is the top of the ear.