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Abandoned child syndrome is a proposed behavioral or psychological condition that is said to result from the loss of one or both parents. Abandonment may be physical or emotional; that is, the parent may abandon the child by failing to be present in their life, or by withholding affection, nurturing, or stimulation. As a result, abandoned children may also suffer physical trauma, which may stem from factors such as neglect, malnutrition, starvation, and abuse. Furthermore, abandonment may be either intentional or non-intentional; the parent may willingly leave the child, or they may be alienated from the child by force. Forced separation of a parent from their child may stem from a number of potential causes, including alienation following a divorce, placement of the child in foster care, or political conflicts. With the nurture and support of a "facilitative environment", the child can develop the ability to cope with the trial of abandonment.
Abandoned child syndrome is not currently recognized as a mental disorder in popular medical manuals like the ICD-10, DSM-IV, or DSM-5.