Deprivation of love, exposure to domestic violence, or lack of structure or guidance to support the education of a child can exert seriously detrimental effects, known collectively as emotional abuse. Unabating criticism, threats of rejection, indifference or failure to provide personal or academic guidance are all forms of this kind of abuse, which encompasses any dereliction of parental responsibility, consistent denigration or contempt by caregivers that inhibits a child’s emotional development.

Forms of neglect include inadequacies medical or dental care, clothing, sanitation, sleeping accommodations and nutrition, as well as failure to provide for the emotional needs of children. Neglect also encompasses exposure of a child to endangerment, such as home environments in which parents use, produce or sell illegal drugs. Risk emanates not only from, for example, toxic chemicals used to manufacture methamphetamine, but also from the unsavory atmosphere surrounding illegal drug production.

Any injury that a child suffers at the hands of a caretaker—whether a laceration, bruising, bone fracture or internal damage—is regarded as physical abuse. The crime is not restricted to deliberate beating, choking, shaking, striking with objects, burning or assaults with weapons. Even an untentional injury that a caretaker causes through negligence may be considered child abuse.

Sexual abuse can involve physical acts or merely exposure to material with sexual content. It encompasses inappropriate fondling or other contact with sexual organs by a parent or caretaker, indecent exposure, penetration, incest, sodomy and rape, as well as exploitation of children forced to engage in prostitution or participate in pornographic activities.

A learning disorder is a neurological condition that affects the ability of the brain to store, process or communicate information. Learning disorders include dyslexia, a difficulty in learning to read; dyscalculia, a difficulty in learning mathematical skills; and attentional disorders—ADD and ADHD—which disrupt ability to concentrate for extended periods. Learning disorders are believed to be caused by irregularities in brain structure or chemistry. Speech and language therapists and experts in special education can help patients compensate for learning disorders.

Neuropsychiatric disorders encompass a wide spectrum of neurolological conditions including depression, anxiety, tic disorders, Tourette syndrome, learning disorders, alcohol and drug dependence, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorders, conduct disorders, panic disorder, and some sleep disorders.

Any condition that distorts or otherwise affects mental state—including emotional stability, reasoning, behavior and ability to engage in reasonable social interactions—can be considered a psychiatric disorder. Such conditions can include mood disorders (such as depression and bipolar disorder or manic-depression), psychoses, eating disorders, anxiety disorders and personality disorders.

Any condition that distorts or otherwise affects mental state—including emotional stability, reasoning, behavior and ability to engage in reasonable social interactions—can be considered a psychiatric disorder. Such conditions can include mood disorders (such as depression and bipolar disorder or manic-depression), psychoses, eating disorders, anxiety disorders and personality disorders.

Inability of an individual to confirm to social standards may be the result of an adjustment disorder, which can produce anxiety, depression or both. Adjustment disorder may materialize in conjunction with stress or change, such as relocation to another town, parental separation or divorce, or birth of a sibling. A child with adjustment disorder may uncharacteristically rebel against authority, engaging in fighting, belligerence, reckless behavior or truancy from school. Other children may appear passive and withdrawn. Treatment may involve psychotherapy, medication or both.

Attention-deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), also known as ADD or childhood hyperkinesis, is neurobiological condition that affects ability to concentrate and is characterized by distractability, excessive activity and impulsive behavior. It may be treated with psychological counseling, dietary adjustments, psychotropic medications, and some parents turn to herbal and homeopathic remedies, biofeedback, meditation and perception stimulation training.