Symptoms are largely observable in behaviour, but a patients psychological or physical impairments are largely driven by the cause of their condition, and as such not all patients experience the same suite of problems. Physical impairments include physical underdevelopment, reduced motor speed, and increased risk of rapid-onset muscle atrophy. Patients commonly suffer from maladaptive or disruptive eating behaviour, which results in a general decrease in stamina. This has been linked to malnutrition, extreme weight loss, and food addiction. Patients tend to have a strong predisposition to marasmus, which increases mental and physical fragility, alongside an impairment of their immune system, leading them to be at higher risk for infections and viral diseases. Infants also experience a higher mortality rate. The psychological circumstances fit this image. Especially in children that stayed in orphanages for a long time and suffer from deprivation syndrome – the sensory withdrawal before adulthood resulting in physical and psychological damages – one can observe a reduction of activities due to a lack of motivation and suppression of feelings. Sleeplessness, loss of weight and apathy are additional symptoms of depression that can also play a role. Another effect of withdrawal of sensory desires in an early age are personality disorders as for example borderline and attachment and adjustment disorders that are especially seen in behavioral abnormalities.These abnormalities can consist of stereotypes – a motor restlessness that results in showing repetitive and consistent motor processes and spoken utterances that do not have any goal or function and occur in absolutely unfitting situations.
Prevention and solutions
Prevention and solutions of hospitalism largely focuses on efforts that seek to counter-act deprivation. During their stay, skin-to-skin contact between mother and child has shown to beneficial. Also, conducting various types of play activities with children, which will meet their need for physical activity can provide an opportunity to establish an intimate emotional relationship  with the mother or a substitute. Therapeutic interventions should be carried out by specially trained professionals, psychotherapists, psychologists, social workers, teachers, and a network of non-professionals for people who are physically, mentally, or emotionally handicapped. Efforts are made to place parentless children in suitable accommodations, such as children’s villages and foster care. Special attention should focus on the suitability of the environment for the child. These institutions should provide the necessary support and the right environment so that children can develop normally.For the care of elderly and sick people assisted living and community houses are used for prevention. Accessibility and affordability are to continuously be improved. High-quality accommodation is also important for the proper treatment of existing illnesses and disorders. A very unique approach is lived in the Belgium city Geel, where it is common for people with mental illnesses to live with local families. See also
Failure to thrive
Attachment theory
Maternal deprivation
Stress-related disorders
Philosophy of dialogue
Orphan
Feral child
Infant cognitive development

References

Encyclopedia of Childhood and Adolescence