Norton Children’s Hospital discusses psychological child abuse
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Norton Children’s Hospital discussed the lasting impact of psychological child abuse.
Doctors say child abuse isn’t always physical but can also be mental.
Experts say psychological maltreatment is a non-accidental behavior by a care giver over time that can make a child feel unloved or worthless.
The long term effects of mental abuse can cause anxiety, depression and can even lead to substance use disorder.
“Psychological maltreatment doesn’t leave bruises or physical signs,” said Norton Children’s Child Abuse pediatrician Dr. Melissa Currie.
“It can be hard to pick up on often folks, normalized psychological maltreatment, as you know, strict parenting or that’s just how I was raised or it’s just words. Unfortunately, words can have quite a profound impact on children. And as I said, well into adulthood,” she added.
Currie says warning signs can include caregivers constantly belittling or name-calling a child, using harsh or demeaning language or excessive criticism.
