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You are here : Healthopedia.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Injuries and Wounds > Child Abuse: Symptoms & Signs
      Category : Health Centers > Abuse and Violence

Child Abuse

Alternate Names : Physical Abuse, Neglect, Sexual Abuse, Emotional Abuse

Child Abuse | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring | Attribution


What are the signs and symptoms of the injury?

Children who have been abused often have a variety of psychological problems and symptoms. Therefore, no single symptom will necessarily indicate that abuse has occurred. Many symptoms of abuse are also symptoms of other disorders or problems. For this reason, it is extremely important to have the child evaluated by an experienced healthcare provider.

Emotional and behavioral symptoms of child abuse may include:

  • acting out sexually
  • aggressive or violent behavior
  • anxiety
  • delay in developmental milestones
  • depression
  • feelings of guilt and shame
  • frequent mood swings
  • low self-esteem
  • paranoid thoughts
  • problems in relating to peers
  • school and academic problems
  • self-destructive or suicidal behaviors
  • sleep problems and nightmares
  • social withdrawal
  • The following physical symptoms may result from child abuse:

  • bleeding into the retina or the conjunctiva of the eye
  • blood in the urine
  • bone fractures
  • burns
  • failure to achieve expected or normal weight and height growth
  • frequent urinary tract infections
  • multiple bruises, often at various stages of healing
  • rectal or vaginal irritation or discharge
  • sudden and severe abdominal pain
  • unexplained cuts, swelling, and bruises

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    Child Abuse: Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

     

    Child Abuse: Diagnosis & Tests

    Author: Ann Reyes, Ph.D.
    Reviewer: Gail Hendrickson, RN, BS
    Date Reviewed: 08/06/01









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    Page Last Updated: 30th May, 2006