Intervention needed to reduce lifelong effects associated with childhood neglect and emotional abuse

Preschool children who have been neglected or emotionally abused exhibit a range of emotional and behavioral difficulties and adverse mother-child interactions that indicate these children require prompt evaluation and interventions, according to a systematic review by Aideen Mary Naughton, M.B., B.Ch., B.A.O., D.C.H., F.R.C.P.C.H., of Public Health Wales, Pontypool, England, and colleagues.

A total of 42 studies of children age 0 to 6 years with confirmed neglect or emotional abuse who had emotional, behavioral, and developmental features recorded or for whom the carer-child interaction was documented were analyzed.

Key features in the child included aggression, withdrawal or passivity, developmental delay, poor peer interaction, and transition from ambivalent to avoidant insecure attachment pattern and from passive to increasingly aggressive behavior and negative self-representation. Emotional knowledge, cognitive function, and language deteriorate without intervention. Poor sensitivity, hospitality, criticism, or disinterest characterize maternal-child interactions.

"Lifelong consequences include physical and mental health problems; impairments in language, social, and communication skills; and severe effects on brain development and hormonal functioning." The study concludes, "early intervention has the potential to change children's lives."