What are the psychological affects of malnutrition in children?

Question

Anything that affects development and growth. Mostly psychological.

Answer 1

The effects of malnutrition in children are many and, unfortunately, are often irreversable.
Initially, of course, there are the physical manifestations: slowed growth rate, lack of energy. Then the kwashinor effect -- the pot belly that looks as though the child had over-eaten, but in fact its stomach is empty. As the child falls behind in physical development, a similar process in taking place with its mental development. The brain is an organ, and must be nourished to work properly. Malnutrition prevents this, and a malnourished brain can not learn as a healthy brain can.
The psychological effects include lethargy (in part this is a physical manifestation, but it also becomes psychological, as there is no longer a reason to care. It is as though terminal numbness has set in. The child's reaction times slow, and the body begins to devour itself.
It is a terrible scourge, and one that could be ended, if nations fought together against hunger and AIDS and homelessness instead of wasting resources on wars that never accomplish anything in the long run.

Answer 2

Physical Effects Of Malnutrition

Answer 3

The answer depends on several factors, including how old the child is when she experiences malnutrition and why she experiences it. The younger the child, the more severe the consequences will be. Malnutrition can be part of a psychological/psychiatric diagnosis called "failure to thrive." These children don't develop on schedule (psychologically included) because of causes like malnutrition.
Malnutrition can also lead to eating disorders later in life. A child has to learn how to eat just like he has to learn to walk and talk. A child who is not fed regularly can grow into an adult who doesn't recognize seemingly basic body signals such as the feeling of hunger or fullness. They can easily become underweight or overweight as a result, leading to psychological problems like low self-esteem.
Furthermore, if a child is malnourished because one or more parents are abusive, the child has a high risk of developing a range of psychological disorders, from depression and anxiety to borderline personality disorder and addictions. While the physical effects of malnutrition in children are more visible, the psychological effects can be more difficult to treat and last long into adulthood.

Answer 4

The psychological affects could be cognitive in nature. Poor nutrition affects all body functioning and development; including that of the brain. If malnutrition robs the bones and muscles of proper growth, it follows that the brain would suffer from lack of development to its full potential because it is a muscle too.
Do some research on the Internet. Google or Ask Jeeves about nutrition and mental development.

Answer 5

Malnutrition I just learned this in school. Many children experence shyness, the effects are almost the same as abuse. The only difference is they won't eat in crowds because they are so hungery they cant wait to stuff it in them. Then they save some for later knowing they can not get no more so they put it in like a purse or something. Is this a report? you might find more information on www.webmd.com

Answer 6

They have problems concentrating in school, they sleep, they will steal lunches, they don't trust adults, they won't learn at the same pace as other children, and are often in trouble.

Answer 7

Probably it's okay

Answer 8

Well, it depends..