Q & A – What is Pathogenic Parenting Delusional Disorder?

Pathogenic parenting delusional disorder is a relatively rare psychiatric disorder in which a parent or caregiver develops a delusional belief that their child has been abused or is in danger of being abused, despite no evidence or against all evidence to the contrary. The belief is typically related to a particular person or group of people, such as a former spouse or a child custody evaluator, whom the parent perceives as a threat to their child.

The delusional belief is often accompanied by behaviors that are harmful to the child, such as restricting access to medical care, keeping the child isolated from others, or making false accusations against others. In some cases, the parent may even attempt to harm the child in an effort to protect them from perceived harm.

Pathogenic parenting delusional disorder is a controversial diagnosis, as some experts believe that the disorder is not a distinct psychiatric condition, but rather a manifestation of other underlying conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or borderline personality disorder. There is currently no consensus on the cause or treatment of this disorder, but therapy and medication may be used to manage the symptoms and help the individual develop more rational thinking patterns. It is important to note that this disorder is distinct from cases in which a parent or caregiver legitimately suspects abuse and takes appropriate action to protect the child.

Q & A – what is the best treatment for emotional abuse?

The best treatment for emotional abuse will depend on the individual and their specific situation. However, some common treatments and strategies that may be effective for emotional abuse include:

  1. Therapy: A mental health professional, such as a psychologist, counselor, or therapist, can work with the person who has experienced emotional abuse to identify the effects of the abuse and develop strategies for coping with those effects. Therapy can also help the person develop healthier relationships in the future.
  2. Support groups: Joining a support group for survivors of emotional abuse can be helpful for those who feel isolated or misunderstood. Support groups can provide validation, encouragement, and a sense of community.
  3. Safety planning: If the emotional abuse is ongoing or has the potential to escalate to physical violence, it may be important to develop a safety plan. This may involve seeking help from a domestic violence shelter or hotline, informing trusted friends or family members, or taking other steps to protect oneself.
  4. Education: Learning about the dynamics of emotional abuse can be helpful in understanding and recognizing it. Educational resources may include books, articles, videos, or online courses.
  5. Medication: In some cases, medication may be prescribed to address symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns that may result from emotional abuse.

It’s important to note that emotional abuse can have long-lasting effects, and it may take time and a combination of different treatments and strategies to heal. It’s always best to consult with a qualified mental health professional to determine the most appropriate treatment approach for your specific situation.

How to recognise pathogenic parenting

“Pathogenic parenting” is a term used to describe a pattern of harmful parenting behaviors that can have negative effects on a child’s psychological and emotional development. The term “Pathogenic Parenting Syndrome” (PPS) is sometimes used to describe the extreme end of this pattern, where one parent intentionally engages in behaviors that are harmful to their child’s relationship with the other parent.

PPS is not a recognized mental health diagnosis, and it is not included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). However, it has been used in some court cases to describe situations where a parent is intentionally undermining the other parent’s relationship with their child.

Examples of pathogenic parenting behaviors may include:

  • Encouraging the child to reject the other parent
  • Making negative comments about the other parent in front of the child
  • Interfering with the other parent’s parenting time or communication with the child
  • Making false allegations of abuse or neglect against the other parent
  • Refusing to cooperate with court orders related to custody or visitation

These behaviors can have serious consequences for the child’s well-being, including increased risk of depression, anxiety, and behavior problems. If you suspect that a child is experiencing pathogenic parenting, it is important to seek the help of a qualified mental health professional or legal advocate.

©Linda Turner http://parentalalienationpas.com 2023

Q & A – What is Cognitive dissonance?

Cognitive dissonance refers to the mental discomfort or psychological stress experienced by a person when they hold two or more conflicting beliefs, values, or ideas. This internal conflict can arise when a person’s beliefs or attitudes are inconsistent with their behavior, or when new information challenges their existing beliefs.

The discomfort caused by cognitive dissonance can lead people to seek ways to reduce or resolve the conflict. They may change their beliefs, behavior, or attitudes, or they may seek out new information to reconcile their conflicting thoughts.

Cognitive dissonance can have a significant impact on a person’s thoughts, feelings, and behavior. It can cause feelings of guilt, shame, or anxiety and can lead to changes in behavior or attitudes. At the same time, cognitive dissonance can also be a motivating factor, driving people to seek out new information or to make changes to their beliefs or behavior.

Cognitive dissonance has been studied extensively in psychology, and it is often used to explain a wide range of human behaviors, including the ways in which people make decisions, justify their actions, and respond to social pressure.

 

©Linda Turner http://parentalalienationpas.com 2023

 

 

©Linda Turner http://parentalalienationpas.com 2023

Q & A – What is the treatment of attachment-based parental alienation

The treatment of attachment-based parental alienation (AB-PA) typically involves a combination of interventions aimed at repairing the damaged attachment between the targeted parent and the child, and addressing the underlying dynamics and behaviors that led to the alienation.

Here are some common treatment approaches for AB-PA:

  1. Family therapy: Family therapy can be effective in addressing the underlying dynamics and conflicts that led to the alienation. This may involve sessions with both parents and the child, where the therapist helps the family to explore their feelings and communication patterns, and develop strategies for improving their relationships.
  2. Parent education and coaching: Education and coaching for the parent who is engaging in the alienation behaviors can be helpful in promoting more positive interactions with the targeted parent and reducing the negative impact on the child. This may involve training in effective communication skills, conflict resolution, and co-parenting strategies.
  3. Reunification therapy: Reunification therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on repairing the relationship between the targeted parent and the child. This may involve individual sessions with the child and the targeted parent, as well as joint sessions with both parents and the child.
  4. Legal interventions: In some cases, legal interventions may be necessary to protect the child’s best interests and promote their healthy development. This may include court orders for parenting time, custody evaluations, and other legal remedies.

It is important to note that the treatment of AB-PA can be complex and challenging, and requires a multidisciplinary approach involving mental health professionals, legal experts, and other professionals. The success of the treatment depends on a number of factors, including the severity of the alienation, the willingness of both parents to participate in treatment, and the availability of resources and support for the family.

©Linda Turner http://parentalalienationpas.com 2023

Q & A – Attachment based parental alienation

Attachment-based parental alienation (AB-PA) is a theory that attempts to explain how parental alienation can occur in the context of high-conflict divorce and child custody cases. This theory suggests that a child’s rejection of one parent and alignment with the other parent is due to the manipulation and coercion of the aligned parent, who uses a variety of psychological techniques to influence the child’s attitudes and beliefs about the other parent.

According to AB-PA, parental alienation is a form of emotional abuse that occurs when a parent intentionally undermines the child’s attachment to the other parent, which can result in long-term emotional and psychological harm to the child. The theory proposes that the aligned parent uses a number of strategies to create a false narrative about the other parent, such as portraying the other parent as unsafe or unloving, or blaming them for the divorce or separation.

AB-PA also suggests that this process of parental alienation can be identified and treated through a structured, evidence-based intervention that focuses on repairing the child’s damaged attachment to the targeted parent. The intervention may involve therapy sessions with both parents and the child, as well as education and training for the parent who is engaging in the alienation behaviors.

It is important to note that AB-PA is a controversial theory that has not been widely accepted by the mental health community. Some experts have criticized the theory for being overly simplistic and lacking empirical support, and have raised concerns about the potential harm that could result from using this theory in legal and custody proceedings. It is recommended that mental health professionals use caution when applying this theory to individual cases, and that they rely on well-established principles of child development, attachment theory, and evidence-based interventions when working with families involved in high-conflict divorce and custody cases.Regenerate response

©Linda Turner http://parentalalienationpas.com 2023

Q & A – Narcissistic Abuse

How do narcissists abuse their children?

Narcissists can abuse their children in a variety of ways, including emotional, physical, and psychological abuse. They may belittle or criticize their children, use them as a source of narcissistic supply, or manipulate them to get what they want. They may also be neglectful, failing to provide their children with basic needs such as food, clothing, and emotional support. Narcissists may also use their children as a means of controlling their partner, or as a way to gain admiration from others.

What can a child of a narcissistic parent do?

1. Set boundaries. It is important to establish boundaries with a narcissistic parent and to stick to them. This will help protect you from their manipulation and emotional abuse.

2. Seek support. It is important to find a support system of people who understand what you are going through and can provide emotional support.

3. Practice self-care. Taking care of yourself is essential when dealing with a narcissistic parent.

Examples of narcissistic parenting

1. Failing to provide appropriate boundaries and discipline.

2. Excessive praise and admiration for the child’s accomplishments.

3. Excessive focus on the child’s physical appearance.

4. Excessive competition with the child.

5. Excessive criticism of the child’s mistakes.

6. Excessive demands for perfection.

7. Excessive need for control.

8. Excessive need for attention.

9. Excessive need

Q & A perspecticide

What is perspecticide?

Perspecticide is a neologism used to describe the act of deliberately and systematically destroying or distorting another person’s perspective. It is often used in the context of political or ideological debates, where one party attempts to discredit the other’s point of view by attacking their beliefs or values.

Why do people use perspecticide?

Perspecticide is a term used to describe the intentional destruction of another person’s perspective or point of view. It is often used to describe the actions of people who are trying to control or manipulate another person’s thoughts and feelings. It is a form of psychological abuse and can be used to manipulate, control, and intimidate another person.

Examples of perspecticide in families?

1. Alienation: When one family member is isolated or excluded from the family unit, either through physical or emotional means.

2. Gaslighting: When one family member attempts to manipulate another family member into questioning their own reality or sanity.

3. Emotional Abuse: When one family member uses verbal or emotional abuse to control or manipulate another family member.

4. Financial Abuse: When one family member uses financial control or manipulation to gain power over another family member

Articles and Videos by Richard Grannon

Articles by Sam Vaknin

About Sam Vaknin, Author of Narcissism Book

I am not a mental health professional, though I was certified in Counseling Techniques. I work as a financial consultant to leading businesses and to governments in several countries.”

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