When adults withhold adequate food, water, medical care, shelter and life-saving necessities from children, it is called psychological child abuse, or neglect, according to the National Institutes of Health. Psychological child abuse takes other forms as well and can include submitting children to a violent environment, neglecting a child's emotional needs, verbally assaulting and insulting children, and threatening children with violence.
Effects
While children may not immediately present symptoms of the abuse, certain behaviors and mannerisms commonly are present in children who've been subjected to psychological mistreatment. They may begin having difficulties at school or have trouble sleeping. Eating disorders, self-mutilation, substance abuse and depression are common symptoms of child abuse. They become anxious and develop a variety of physical ailments.
Function
Continued child abuse may result in the child being removed from the home to prevent potentially fatal abuse. According to the National Institutes of Health, health care workers, school counselors and child care providers must by law report suspected child abuse to the authorities. Children must be diagnosed by a trained mental health professional to determine the potential for danger and the extent of the damage.
Potential
A number of potential forms of treatment for children and their families are available. Family and individual counseling for parents who perpetrate the abuse typically is a part of the complete treatment. Children may be placed in foster care while undergoing mental health treatment of their own. The potential for long-term damage is great, depending on the length of the abuse and its severity. Children who've been abused have the potential to become abusers themselves, continue with rebellious behaviors and grow up with low self-esteem, despite treatment efforts.
Misconception
Adults who engage in mental health treatment are afforded a certain level of confidentiality with the therapist. According to Guide to Psychology website, many states make exceptions in the confidentiality laws for children. Therapists and counselors are required by law to report suspicions about abuse they learn about in treatment. They must contact the police if they believe a child is in imminent danger.
Types
Various treatment techniques work well with children, according to the Administration for Children and Families. Humor and story telling are effective methods that help children open up to a counselor. Therapists who disclose personal information to put the child at ease can help kids feel more accepted. At the same time, family therapists dealing with child abuse must walk a thin line between confrontation and accusation to keep a child open and talking.
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