Introduction
In contrast to other mammals, the human infant relies on the adult for survival for a considerable amount of time. Nevertheless, neonatal morbidity and mortality have been noticeably reduced due to pediatricians' application of their knowledge of the newborn's fundamental needs. Less immediately apparent among an infant's basic needs are those for gentle physical contact, pleasant and varied human voice sounds, antigravity play, visual stimulation from the human environment, and more subtle interpersonal communication. In short, an infant needs all of the things that a caring mother would typically provide.
What Is the Origin of Maternal Deprivation Syndrome?
The term maternal deprivation first appeared in the early writings of psychoanalyst John Bowlby on the effects of severing a child's mother from them. He believed that an infant's first three years of life were crucial for developing the caregiver-child bond. He referred to this as the critical period for attachment.
Based on Bowlby's theories, attachment is necessary for survival, and it is the prototype for future relationships. If the attachment relationship is problematic, the developmental difficulty is predicted, and can cause general developmental issues and social development problems.
What Is Maternal Deprivation Syndrome?
The inability of a child to form an attachment during the first five years of life is known as maternal deprivation, and it can have detrimental psychological effects, especially as adults. Deprivation results when a child never has the chance to form any kind of bond. It is a failure to thrive that affects infants and young children and is characterized by a lack of environmental responsiveness and frequent depression. It typically goes hand in hand with maternal loss, absence, or neglect.
Ineffective caregiver interactions, poverty, child abuse, and parents lack of knowledge about child care account for about two-thirds of the causes. Even though the mother and other primary caregivers may appear worried, the normal physical interaction between mother and child is either missing or distorted.
What Causes Maternal Deprivation Syndrome?
Most infant and young child cases of failure to thrive (under two years old) are not brought on by the illness. Most cases are brought on by poor living conditions, child abuse, dysfunctional caregiver interactions, and parents unaware of proper child care. Such failures to thrive are referred to as non-organic. Failure to gain sufficient weight, failure of linear growth and failure to meet some or all developmental milestones are all considered indicators of underdevelopment in children under the age of two.
Maternal deprivation syndrome can occur when:
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A child who lives in an institution has little contact with a mother figure and no significant substitute mother.
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The infant receives insufficient care from their mother or a permanent replacement mother, and they interact with them insufficiently.
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A mother figure is present and prepared to provide adequate care, but the child cannot interact with her. This inability is caused by a history of severing relationships with mother figures.
While the mother or other primary caregiver may appear worried in cases of maternal deprivation syndrome, the interaction and physical contact between mother and child may be missing or altered.
Maternal deprivation syndrome may be caused by several factors, including;
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The parent is a young adult (teenage parent).
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Unintended or undesirable pregnancy.
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Lower educational levels (especially failure to complete high school).
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Poor socioeconomic status.
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Absence of the father.
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Absence of a support network (family, close friends, or other support).
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Severe postpartum depression, among other mental illnesses.
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The child's gender is not what the parent wanted or expected.
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Congenital disorder.
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Infants not breastfed.
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Chronically ill babies.
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Children with cerebral palsy or other neurocognitive problems.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Maternal Deprivation Syndrome?
Phases of response to separation or deprivation:
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Protest: Crying and severe distress at the loss of the mother, along with the child's feeble attempts to replace her
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Despair: Rowing helplessness; withdrawal; and waning attempts to reclaim mother.
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Detachment: In this situation, the kid settles down and takes care of whatever stand-in adult is available.
Signs and symptoms of maternal deprivation syndrome include:
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Reduced or absent linear growth (falling off the growth chart).
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A lack of proper hygiene.
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Interaction between mother and child that ranges from subtle to obvious abnormality.
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Having a weight below the 5th percentile or gaining too much weight.
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Inappropriate clothing.
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An unusual or overly restricted diet.
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General lack of care.
Emotional effects of maternal deprivation syndrome:
It takes a certain level of maturity and conscious cerebral functioning to cause this syndrome. So, it is not visible in
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Newborn premature babies.
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The infant for its first two weeks.
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The child who is profoundly retarded.
What Are the Complications of Maternal Deprivation Syndrome?
Complications included:
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Abandonment.
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Developmental delay.
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Severe malnutrition.
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Mental retardation.
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Abuse.
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Neurocognitive disorders.
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Depression.
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Delinquency.
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Sociopathic behavior.
How Is Maternal Deprivation Syndrome Diagnosed?
The first step is a thorough medical evaluation. To rule out serious medical conditions as the cause, a physical examination, medical history, and easy laboratory tests can be used. The doctor will carefully inspect the patient's growth chart. The doctor needs to contact family members and social service organizations to assist the mother. The child might need to stay in the hospital if the doctor worries about their safety or if the treatment has not worked.
How Is Maternal Deprivation Syndrome Treated?
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Failure to thrive treatment is a significant undertaking that calls for the involvement of a multidisciplinary team, including doctors, nutritionists, social workers, behavioral specialists, and visiting nurses.
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For new parents, single parents, and parents with other issues. As soon as possible, referrals should be made to the right programs.
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More support will be given to the mother and child if extended family members are assisted in realizing a problem and getting involved.
Conclusion
Maternal deprivation syndrome includes the loss of emotional support and a sense of well-being that is typically transmitted from mother to child and is not just limited to physical maternal loss. The condition must be recognised and prompt intervention must be impleted. Healthcare professionals, extended family members and social workers must support the child and help in its wellbeing. Full recovery can be anticipated with prompt, appropriate attention and care.
