Pathogenic parenting that is creating
significant developmental pathology in the child (attachment system suppression; diagnostic indicator 1 of AB-PA),
personality disorder pathology in the child (narcissistic personality traits evidenced in the child’s symptom display; diagnostic indicator 2 of AB-PA),
delusional-psychiatric pathology in the child (an encapsulated persecutory delusion; diagnostic indicator 3 of AB-PA),
is a DSM-5 diagnosis of V995.51 Child Psychological Abuse, Confirmed. Creating that level of severe psychopathology in the child is psychological child abuse.
The Diagnostic Checklist for Pathogenic Parenting documents these three symptom features. There is absolutely zero reason why a mental health professional should not, at the very least, assess for the presence or absence of these three symptom features in the child’s symptom display.
If these symptoms are not present, then they are not present. No worries.
If, however, these three symptoms ARE present in the child’s symptom display, then the DSM-5 diagnosis is V995-51 Child Psychological Abuse, Confirmed.
This is an issue of child protection.
This is simple. This is direct. This is straightforward.
There is absolutely zero reason for any mental health professional to not at least assess for the presence or absence of these three specific symptoms in the child’s symptom display. Simply assess for the presence or absence of these three symptoms in the child’s symptom display and then document the results of the assessment using the Diagnostic Checklist for Pathogenic Parenting.
This would represent a reasonable standard of practice and child protection obligation in the professional assessment of attachment-related pathology surrounding divorce.
Craig Childress, Psy.D.
Clinical Psychologist, PSY 18857
Dr. Craig Childress: Attachment Based "Parental Alienation" (AB-PA) 
Dr. Childress,
There are so many failures and defects for the parent to overcome in trying to protect the child/s from the pathological parent causing emotional harm to their own children.
But I take heart in the work you are spearheading . Agreeing that the change must first come from the mental health community and no other has done this before you! The mental health community is the problem and answer both!
Your efforts must not be in vain, this has to happen ! I know I have specific evidence that can bolster the ethics charges against those who CHOSE to ignore and look the other way to the real abuse happening.
I’m sure if it was happening to their child or grand child these very same people would be quick to say it’s abuse!
Let’s not stop until they are made accountable if they chose to stay ignorant.
I am in contact with both Dorcy Pruter and Sal D. and I will continue to ask take the chance to see that what I have as evidence of a broken system and mental health standard of care is the straw that broke the camels back and the APA will stop the excuses and finally do something.
I pray we will soon be in touch.
Alessandra