Signs of Child Abuse

By Dr. Michael Elterman

Since 1982, Dr. Michael Elterman has owned and operated a private clinical psychology practice in the Vancouver area. He has also collaborated extensively with the courts, preparing over 2,500 reports regarding such issues as child development, custody issues, and child abuse.

Aside from glaringly obvious indications such as cigarette burns or very specific bruising patterns, it can be difficult to know when a child is suffering abuse. Though no one of these on its own serves as definitive proof, radical changes or a combination of signs, such as those I list below, might necessitate intervention from an adult.

Obvious physical damage: It is no secret that children often play a bit too rough and end up with bruises and scrapes. But if these injuries repeat, or a child starts to act suspicious (i.e., wearing long sleeves and pants every day), it might be worth investigating.

Inappropriate behavior, seemingly out of nowhere: Some of these incidences can be chalked up to self-exploration, but if a change occurs that makes you feel uneasy (i.e., a pre-adolescent child obsessed with private zones, or a formerly mellow child abruptly starting to act out), look into it.

Extremely low self-image: Children who have been abused tend to be, if not explicitly told by the abuser, made to feel inadequate or useless. Children who constantly say things like “What’s the point? I’m stupid anyway” or generally express very little self-worth might be the victims of abuse.

Drastic fluctuations in personality: Though a child suffering abuse may play with his classmates normally and appear content most of the time, this may be a defense mechanism. A victim of abuse might vacillate between a content, surface persona and an anxious, depressed side that sometimes shows through.

Objects fervently to going somewhere: Instead of forcing a child who strongly resists visiting a particular person, communicate with the child. Ask questions to uncover the real reason the child does not want to go. Children may be afraid to tell the truth, as children who suffer abuse often withhold it to protect the abuser if the abuser is a perceived caretaker.

Common Risk Factors and Symptoms of Depression – by Dr. Michael Elterman

By Dr. Michael Elterman

One of the most common reasons for visiting a psychiatrist or psychologist, depression affects approximately 16 percent of adults worldwide at some point in their lifetimes. According to Health Canada and Statistics Canada, around 8 percent of Canadian adults will experience major depression or anxiety during their lives, and 5 percent will have such an incident in a given year. Although no one understands the precise cause of depression, scientists have identified a number of factors that seem to increase an individual’s chances of developing the condition.

The incidence of depression in women is much higher than that in men, with approximately one in five women developing clinical depression at some time in life. Only one in every three of these women will seek professional assistance. People with one or more biological relatives with a history of depression, alcoholism, or suicide face high risks of developing the condition. Those who experienced trauma as children or have recently gone through a stressful life event, such as the death of a family member or close friend, are more likely to report depression.

The disorder also commonly arises following the birth of a child, in which case the condition is labeled postpartum depression. Also, people with serious chronic or acute conditions, such as cancer, heart disease, or HIV/AIDS often experience depression. Feelings of depression include more than just sadness and can involve having trouble concentrating; feeling tired, guilty, worthless, or helpless; insomnia; and irritability.

Often, patients presenting depression notice they have recently lost interest in activities they previously enjoyed or they have experienced changes in appetite. In addition to these symptoms, people with depression sometimes also experience persistent aches and pains, cramps, headaches, and digestive problems that do not respond to treatment. Depression can be a life-threatening condition, and it is important to visit a doctor or therapist if you notice these signs in yourself or a loved one.

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