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The American Academy of Pediatrics released new guidelines on the health and behavioral problems that manifest after child abuse.

New bodies of research have demonstrated the deep impact of chronic stress resulting from early childhood maltreatment. They have uncovered various problems that children manifest after child abuse. Reports have provided evidence of the link between the two.

Traumatic experiences have lasting effects on a child growing up.

There is an increased likelihood for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children who were mistreated. These experiences may also lead to post-traumatic stress disorder, a psychiatric problem caused by events such as war, natural disasters, the sudden death of a loved one and sexual or physical abuse.

Painful memories may shape a child's perception of certain sights, sounds, scents and actions. To an average person, the response of a victim of abuse to these stimuli may seem too emotional and inappropriate. They are comparable to the child's reaction to the first occurrence of abuse. Thus, to this child, discipline carried out by authority figures at home or in school appears too harsh.

Toxic stress, or prolonged and severe stress, may affect the brain and hormonal development in kids even after child abuse, the Fox News reported.

There are signs of abuse or neglect that doctors and family members should look out for. For example, lack of interest in activities, unexpected poor academic performance and isolation are common among mistreated children stemming from anxiety, depression and low self-esteem.

Child growth and development slower than what is considered normal should be a cause for concern. The failure to grow and gain weight, and lack of skills and abilities for children their age could be due to an underlying medical problem but they are also symptoms of abuse and neglect.

Parents may also observe suspicious injuries such as those with a straight line or circular pattern in areas like the back, the genitals, the buttocks and the inside of the legs and arms, according to WebMD.

Pediatricians were urged to look into the possibility that the cases of children with tough behavioral problems could be the result of abuse or neglect.