As far as I can recall, the original research was done by Rene Spitz, and I think he used the term mirasmus to describe the babies growing up in an orphanage in a very similar way to the original post: small for age, with limited movement, and poor development. It was a form of infant depression in which some of the infants died. He and others attributed the syndrome to a very unstimulating environment- white walls and sheets, minimal physical contact with adults who only touched the babies when they were changed and fed, though bottles were often propped, which reduced contact even further, and multiple caretakers, so no real attachment developed between a baby and a caretaker. Sorry I can't cite a source- my memory goes back to graduate school, which is more than thirty years ago.
Riki Koenigsberg, PhD --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
