Below is a release on a report appearing in the September issue of Pediatrics, the peer-reviewed, scientific journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

For Release: September 2, 2008, 12:01 am (ET)

Children who have suffered abuse or neglect may display troublesome behaviors long after the abuse has ended. In a new clinical report, “Understanding the Behavioral and Emotional Consequences of Child Abuse,” the AAP offers an evidence-based explanation of the medical and psychological complications of abuse. Early abuse can result in an altered physiologic response to stressful situations. As these children mature, they can have difficulties with sleep, anxiety, oppositional behavior, violent behaviors and school failure, and typical behavior-modification strategies may be unsuccessful. Pediatricians are in a unique position to help caregivers understand the physiologic underpinnings of these challenging behaviors and to connect families with community resources.

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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 60,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.