Seattle University Collaborative Projects - International Academy of ...

The phenomenon in object results ubiquitous both regarding victims' gender and socioeconomicconditions. The important consequences linked to what they suffered - either immediately orwith adolescent or adult onset- are mediated by age and family support to trauma reprocessing aswell as by frequency of repetition of the abuse or familiarity with the abuser. These factorsappear to be of primary importance - both at a physical and a psychic level- and may beexpressed in multiple manifestation; it would be impossible to ignore any alarm signals revealingsuspected abuse suffered by a minor. Specific attention will be directed towards short- and longtermconsequences, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, personality disorders, depression,substance abuse, as well as perpetuation of the same behavior. In this field, the dramatic lack ofproper training of the professionals who work with minors on a daily basis (pediatricians,teachers, etc.), as well as poor treatment techniques, emphasizes the ugent need for preventionand early intervention.Causing Parental Alienation is a Form of Child AbuseWilliam Bernet, Vanderbilt University (william.bernet@vanderbilt.edu)Parental alienation is a serious mental condition that sometimes occurs when a child's parents areengaged in a high-conflict separation or divorce: the child allies strongly with one parent andrejects a relationship with the other parent without legitimate justification. In some instances,parental alienation is brought about by the indoctrination of the child by the preferred parentagainst the rejected parent. If the preferred parent has indoctrinated the child in a knowing,purposeful, persistent manner to hate and avoid the alienated parent, that behavior should beconsidered emotional or psychological abuse of the child. Although psychological abuse of achild is not currently included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, it isincluded in the International Classification of Diseases. There is considerable internationalresearch to support this proposal that causing parental alienation should be considered a form ofchild abuse. The presenter will summarize the work of psychologists, psychiatrists, and legalprofessionals from various countries. In some instances, state and national governments havemade it illegal to induce parental alienation in a child. Also, in some cases, the European Courtof Human Rights has recognized the serious nature of parental alienation.23. The “Choosing Wisely” MovementIs Psychiatry Ready?Antony Fernandez, Virginia Commonwealth University (antony.Fernandez@va.gov)Technological and scientific advances have made the current practice of medicine enormouslycomplex. Along with progress, however, this evolution has come attached with a hefty price tagas well. In recent times, there has been growing concern among medical professionals about61