Consequences of Physical Abuse in Childhood: Hypothesis

What is it about?

The hypothesis is presented here that individuals with certain disorders or neuroses, autism spectrum and obsessive-compulsive in particular, were on average more often physically abused during their childhood than those with e.g. attention deficit hyperactivity or histrionic personality disorders. Both latter conditions are usually not mentioned in the literature among consequences of physical abuse. Furthermore, the maltreatment can modify manifestations of affective disorders. Children and adolescents regularly punished for hyperactivity or other behaviors, regarded by perpetrators to be undesirable, would discontinue these behaviors but start adaptive or maladaptive conduct that may be more or less compatible with autism spectrum and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Repetitive binge drinking can be compulsive. Besides, loitering with drinking companies is a way of escape from domestic violence. It is known that autistic persons tend to avoid socialization. However, in conditions of collectivism and a pressure to be “normal” like everyone, individuals with communication abnormalities would have strong motives to contact with peers to avoid stigmatization.

Featured Image