Elder abuse is a serious problem in nursing homes and other care facilities throughout Kentucky. While many people know to look for physical signs of mistreatment and neglect, emotional abuse is also a serious issue. When it comes to emotional abuse, it can be more difficult to tell when a person is experiencing it. However, according to a Journal of Clinical Medicine, elder abuse can lead to cardiac problems and serious health issues. 

To better understand the severity of emotional abuse, it helps to understand the consequences. 

What is emotional abuse? 

When discussing elder abuse, you will most likely hear about physical abuse and neglect. Physical abuse is any action taken to physically harm a patient, whereas neglect involves a lack of action. Now, the majority of cases are not physical abuse cases. Emotional abuse may involve caregivers talking down to patients or insulting patients. It may involve manipulation and generally results in psychological pain. 

What are the consequences of emotional abuse? 

There are a lot of consequences when it comes to emotional abuse. A study showed that those who suffer from psychological abuse have a higher risk of mortality and morbidity. Patients who undergo this kind of abuse may have global cardiac decompensation. When an older person suffers from anxiety and depression, they are more likely to suffer from cardiac problems. When taken from their abusers, many people begin to improve. When a person suffers abuse, he or she may have psychological and physical consequences. For instance, a person may be unable to eat or receive proper nutrition due to the anxiety and depression from emotional abuse.