Legal issues in psychological abuse of children.

The pediatrician must observe and assess a variety of emotional disorders in children, many of which seem related to adverse parental attitudes and actions. It is important for the pediatrician to appreciate the judicial system's constraints in defining psychological abuse so that, when appropriate, legal interventions can be actively encouraged. Cases most likely to be adjudicated are those in which the caretaker's harmful acts and attitudes can be causally related to measurable emotional damage in the child. Other cases which may be suitable are those in which the parent's actions are patently atrocious or the parents have consistently refused to obtain treatment for a seriously disturbed child. Cases which satisfy these criteria, and some which do not, are presented.