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Child neglect and psychological abuse

Contents of this page:

Definition    Return to top

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.

Other forms of child neglect include:

See also:

Causes    Return to top

The rate at which children are physically and emotionally neglected is difficult to define.

Risk factors may include:

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

Symptoms    Return to top

Symptoms of psychological abuse may include:

See also: Failure to thrive

Exams and Tests    Return to top

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    Return to top

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.

Support Groups    Return to top

There are many support groups available, including:

Prevent Child Abuse America - www.preventchildabuse.org

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

With treatment, many children and parents can be reunited as a family. The long-term outcome depends on:

Possible Complications    Return to top

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

Other long-term problems may include:

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your health care provider if a child has:

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

Prevention    Return to top

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.

References    Return to top

Johnson CF. Abuse and neglect of children. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 36.

Update Date: 3/14/2009

Updated by: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2009, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.