[Psychological sequelae of child abuse].

During the past decade personality development of abused children has been studied by several investigators. A comparative overview of the results allows to name a number of symptoms which appear to be characteristic. The symptomatology expresses an ongoing conflict between resistance and resignation by restlessness, aggressivity and withdrawal on the one hand, and by low self esteem, pseudo-adult behavior and perfectionism on the other. The psychological consequences are the result not only of parental personality and aggression but also of social conditions and of factors which are inherent to the child. Treatment needs to include all three pathogenetic areas.