Hospitalism

Hospitalism is a term used in psychology and medicine to describe a syndrome that occurs in children who have spent a significant amount of time in hospital. The term was first coined by Spitz in the 1940s to describe the detrimental effects of long-term hospitalization on children's emotional development and physical health.

Definition

Hospitalism is defined as a syndrome that occurs in children who have spent a significant amount of time in hospital. It is characterized by a range of symptoms including delayed development, emotional distress, and physical health problems such as malnutrition and infections. The syndrome is thought to be caused by a combination of factors including the stress of hospitalization, separation from parents, and the lack of normal social and environmental stimulation.

History

The term hospitalism was first used by the psychoanalyst Rene Spitz in the 1940s. Spitz observed that children who were hospitalized for long periods of time often developed a range of emotional and physical health problems. He suggested that these problems were not just the result of the children's underlying medical conditions, but were also caused by the hospital environment and the lack of normal social and environmental stimulation.

Symptoms

The symptoms of hospitalism can vary widely, but often include delayed development, emotional distress, and physical health problems. Children with hospitalism may show signs of depression, anxiety, and social withdrawal. They may also have difficulty forming attachments to others and may show signs of attachment disorder. Physically, children with hospitalism may suffer from malnutrition, infections, and other health problems.

Causes

The causes of hospitalism are thought to be multifactorial. The stress of hospitalization, separation from parents, and the lack of normal social and environmental stimulation are all thought to contribute to the development of the syndrome. In addition, children who are hospitalized are often exposed to a range of medical procedures and treatments that can be stressful and traumatic.

Treatment

The treatment of hospitalism involves addressing the underlying causes of the syndrome. This may involve providing children with more social and environmental stimulation, reducing the stress of hospitalization, and helping children to form secure attachments to their caregivers. In some cases, psychological therapy may also be beneficial.

See also

• Attachment theory
• Child development
• Child psychology
• Pediatrics

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