Child Maltreatment - Psychological Abuse

What is psychological abuse?

Psychological abuse of a child occurs when someone knowingly causes mental or emotional pain, distress, or suffering to a child. A child is anyone younger than 18 years old. Psychological abuse includes rejecting, insulting, threatening, humiliating, intimidating, or harassing through words or actions. This may also include ignoring, not speaking to the child, or isolating him from family, friends, or his regular activities. It is also when someone encourages, uses, or shows a child how to do something illegal.

What causes psychological abuse of a child?

The exact cause of psychological abuse of a child is not known. Poor, violent, or crowded living conditions may be one of the reasons why it occurs. The following are other possible causes and conditions that may increase a child's risk of psychological abuse:

• Risks related to your child:
  
  
  • Your child is 6 years old or younger.
    
    
  • Your child has learning or memory problems.
    
    
  • Your child has a long-term condition or special needs.
    
    
  • Your child has no relatives or friends who can take care of him.
  
  
• Risks related to the people your child is around:
  
  
  • Your child has a single or teenaged parent.
    
    
  • Your child is around someone who drinks alcohol or uses drugs.
    
    
  • Your child is around someone who has a history of family violence, such as physical, sexual, or other abuse.
    
    
  • Your child is around someone who has a personality disorder, depression, or another mental illness.
    
    
  • Your child is around someone who has stress due to work or financial problems.
    
    
  • Your child is around someone who lacks knowledge about the normal development of a child.

What are the signs and symptoms of psychological abuse?

• Appears disturbed or frightened
  
  
• Avoids eye contact or does not talk openly to others
  
  
• Feels anxious, shy, depressed, or withdrawn
  
  
• Hopelessness or low self-esteem
  
  
• Sleep problems
  
  
• Sudden changes of mood or eating patterns
  
  
• Desire to hurt himself or other people

How is psychological abuse diagnosed?

Your child's caregiver may ask questions to get information on the kind of psychological or emotional abuse that is happening. He may talk to your child, family members, or others who care for your child. He may ask if your child has been eating properly, taking medicines, given clothing, or cared for. Caregivers may also want to know who the abuser is, and how long the abuse has been happening. Your child may need to take a test and answer questions. This can help caregivers know more about his situation. He may also need other tests to see how well his body and brain are working.

How is psychological abuse treated?

Your child may be placed in special daycare center or foster care. Special services may be offered to ensure your child's safety and health.

• Counseling: Psychological abuse may cause your child to feel scared, depressed, or anxious. Your child's caregiver may suggest that your child see a counselor to help him with how he feels.
  
  
• Medicines: Caregivers may give your child medicines to calm, relax, or help your child sleep.

What are the risks of psychological abuse?

If your child is placed in a foster home or care, it may be hard for him to be away from his family or friends. Counseling may be emotionally difficult and painful. If psychological abuse is not stopped or treated, your child's behavior and performance in school may change, and he may also develop other serious problems. These include alcohol or drug use, depression, and problems with his self-esteem, moods, and relationships.

How can I care for my child?

• Rest: Let your child rest if he needs to. Tell your child's caregiver if he has trouble sleeping.
  
  
• Report psychological abuse: It may be hard to report psychological abuse of children, but it is very important. Caregivers can help your child if he is at risk for or is a victim of psychological abuse. Caregivers are required by law to report suspected child abuse. Your child may need to leave his current living situation and be placed in foster care to protect him from the abuse.
  
  
• Take your child for counseling: Psychological abuse may cause your child to feel scared, depressed, or anxious. Your child's caregiver may suggest that he see a counselor to talk about how he feels.

When should I contact my child's caregiver?

Contact your child's caregiver if:

• Your child has new signs and symptoms since his last visit.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.

When should I seek immediate care?

Seek care immediately or call 911 if:

• Your child feels like hurting himself or someone else.
  
  
• Your child feels that he cannot cope with the abuse, or his recovery from it.
  
  
• Your child has trouble breathing, chest pain, or a fast heartbeat.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your child's care. Learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your child's caregivers to decide what care you want for your child.

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