Emotional abuse in the classroom. The pediatrician's role in diagnosis and treatment
R. D. Krugman and M. K. Krugman
Seventeen children were observed who were emotionally abused by their
elementary schoolteacher in fall 1982. The behaviors and affect of the
children were noticeably different from previous years and were similar to
those seen in children with school phobia/avoidance. Removal of the teacher
was followed by amelioration of symptoms in 15 of the 17 children. The
pediatrician needs to recognize symptoms of emotional abuse, differentiate
them from school phobia/avoidance, and act as the child's and parents'
advocate to prevent serious sequelae.
