Abandoned child syndrome

Abandoned child syndrome
Synonyms
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	Psychiatry, Pediatrics
Symptoms	Emotional detachment, Anxiety, Depression, Developmental delay
Complications	N/A
Onset	Childhood
Duration	Long-term
Types	N/A
Causes	Parental abandonment, Neglect
Risks	Attachment disorder, Behavioral problems, Mental health disorders
Diagnosis	Clinical assessment, Psychological evaluation
Differential diagnosis	Reactive attachment disorder, Post-traumatic stress disorder
Prevention	Parental support, Early intervention, Therapy
Treatment	Psychotherapy, Family therapy, Support groups
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Variable, depends on intervention
Frequency	Unknown
Deaths	N/A

Abandoned child syndrome is a behavioral or psychological condition that results primarily from the loss of one or both parents, or sexual abuse. Abandonment may be physical (the parent is not present in the child's life) or emotional (the parent withholds affection, nurturing, or stimulation).

Causes

Abandoned child syndrome can result from a variety of situations, including:

• Death of a parent
• Divorce or separation
• Physical abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Neglect
• Parental substance abuse
• Parental mental illness

Symptoms

Children with abandoned child syndrome may exhibit a variety of symptoms, including:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Low self-esteem
• Substance abuse
• Attachment issues
• Difficulty forming relationships
• Trust issues
• Fear of abandonment

Treatment

Treatment for abandoned child syndrome typically involves psychotherapy, and may also include medication for associated conditions such as depression or anxiety. Therapy may involve individual, group, or family sessions.

See also

• Attachment theory
• Child abuse
• Child neglect
• Parental alienation
• Reactive attachment disorder