The Battered Child Syndrome
E. H. BENNIE M.B., CH.B., D.P.M.1, and
A. B. SCLARE M.B., CH.B., D.P.M.2
1 Registrar, department of psychiatry, Eastern District Hospital, 253 Duke St., Glasgow, E.1., Scotland
2 Consultant psychiatrist, Eastern District Hospital, and Mackintosh lecturer in psychological medicine, University of Glasgow
Ten cases of battered child syndrome are reviewed from the standpoint of the assailant as the patient. In certain persons with poor emotional control, aggression can be displaced and acted out upon a child. Definite significant experiences must have occurred in the patient's life before this form of release can take place. The authors discuss problems of early recognition and management.
