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 trigeminal nerve (CN V) supplies sensory fibers to the face and motor fibers to the muscles of mastication. Touching or pinching the face causes a behavioral reaction in most animals, indicating intact sensation (see nasal stimulation). The sensory fibers for the palpebral and corneal reflexes are in CN V. The three branches of this CN (ophthalmic, maxillary and mandibular) should all be tested. Touching the medial canthus of the eye evaluates the ophthalmic branch. Touching the lateral canthus of the eye evaluates the maxillary branch.