Child psychological abuse and neglect (patient information)

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Editor-in-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S.,M.D. [mailto:mgibson@perfuse.org] Phone:617-632-7753; Associate Editor-In-Chief: Lakshmi Gopalakrishnan, M.B.B.S.

Overview
Child neglect (also called psychological abuse) is a form of child abuse that occurs when someone intentionally does not provide a child with food, water, shelter, clothing, medical care, or other necessities.

Forms of Child neglect

 * Allowing the child to witness violence or severe abuse between parents or adults
 * Ignoring, insulting, or threatening the child with violence
 * Not providing the child with a safe environment and adult emotional support
 * Showing reckless disregard for the child's well being

What are the symptoms of Child neglect and psychological abuse?
Symptoms of psychological abuse may include: 8Sleep disorders
 * Difficulties in school
 * Eating disorders, leading to weight loss or poor weight gain
 * Emotional issues such as low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety
 * Rebellious behavior
 * Vague physical complaints

What causes Child neglect and psychological abuse?
The rate at which children are physically and emotionally neglected is difficult to define.

Abused children are at risk of becoming abusers themselves as adults.

Risk factors
Risk factors may include:
 * Mental illness
 * Poverty
 * Stresses in the family
 * Substance abuse by parents or caregivers

When to seek urgent medical care?

 * Call your health care provider if a child has:
 * Physical changes, such as unexplained injuries, weight loss, or severe tiredness
 * Unexplained behavior changes


 * Suspected child abuse of any form must be reported to the authorities.

Diagnosis
Children with suspected emotional abuse should be examined by a trained mental health professional. All neglected or psychologically abused children should be examined for other forms of physical abuse.

Treatment options

 * If you think a child is in immediate danger because of abuse or neglect, you should call 911.


 * If you suspect that a child is being abused, report it right away. Most states have a child abuse hotline. You may also use the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-4-A-CHILD).


 * The law requires health care workers, school employees, and child care professionals to report suspected abuse.


 * Treatment of the abused child may include nutritional and mental health therapy.


 * It may be necessary to remove the child from the home to prevent further abuse.


 * Treatment for abusers may involve parenting classes and treatment for mental illness, alcohol, or drug abuse.

Where to find medical care for Child neglect and psychological abuse?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Condition

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?

 * With treatment, many children and parents can be reunited as a family.


 * The long-term outcome depends on:
 * How severe the abuse was
 * For how long the child was abused
 * The success of therapy and parenting classes

Possible complications

 * As in all forms of child abuse, severe injury or death is possible.


 * Other long-term problems may include:
 * Becoming an abuser in adulthood
 * Depression
 * Lack of self confidence
 * Rebellious behavior

Prevention

 * Community programs, such as home visits by nurses and social workers, can help families change behaviors or prevent the start of abuse in high-risk families.


 * School-based programs to improve parenting, communication, and self-image can help prevent future abuse and may help to identify abused children.


 * Parenting classes are very helpful. Newlywed adults without children should be encouraged to take these classes before they have each child. The dynamics in the home change when each new child is born.

Support group
Prevent Child Abuse America

Source
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007225.htm