Childhood emotional abuse.
BACKGROUND
The assessment and management of childhood emotional abuse is of increasing importance in psychiatric practice. At present there are no consensus views about the definition of emotional abuse and information from research is limited.


METHODS
Information about emotional abuse from the medical, psychological, social science and legal literature is summarised. Definitions and proposed mechanisms of damage are discussed. Current research data and an overview of childhood and adult sequelae are presented. Proposals for clinical and medico-legal practice are made.


RESULTS
Theoretical models of emotional abuse and its consequences are derived from theories of childhood psychological development. Empirical research is beginning to show that emotional abuse may have a profound effect on aspects of psychological development in children.


CONCLUSIONS
The developmental theories and methods of assessment well established in psychiatry are useful approaches to the clinical assessment and further understanding of emotional abuse.
Thompson
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AE
Fleming Nuffield Unit for Children and Young People, Newcastle upon Tyne.
Kaplan
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CA
D000293:Adolescent; D000342:Affective Symptoms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology*; D002655:Child Custody / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D016241:Child of Impaired Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005104:Expert Testimony / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D010553:Personality Development; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology