Psychological abuse

Psychological abuse, also known as emotional abuse, is a form of abuse characterized by a person subjecting or exposing another to behavior that may result in psychological trauma, including anxiety, chronic depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Such abuse is often associated with situations of power imbalance, such as abusive relationships, bullying, and abuse in the workplace.

Definition

Psychological abuse involves the regular and deliberate use of a range of words and non-physical actions used with the purpose to manipulate, hurt, weaken or frighten a person mentally and emotionally; and/or distort, confuse or influence a person's thoughts and actions within their everyday lives, personal or social interactions.

Forms of Psychological Abuse

Psychological abuse can take the form of physical aggression, insults, humiliation, destruction of property, isolation, or threats of violence.

Effects

The effects of psychological abuse can be devastating. They include depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicidal ideation and attempts, substance abuse, and self-harm.

Treatment

Treatment for psychological abuse often involves psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Medications may also be used to help manage symptoms.

See Also

• Physical abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Verbal abuse
• Domestic violence

References

Psychological abuse Resources
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