When the going gets tough, the weak get going on their babies. A new study finds a rise in “shaken baby syndrome” correlates with economic downturns. At one hospital, the number of babies that were hospitalized for what is known as “non-accidental head trauma” doubled during th recession.

After reviewing the hospital records, researchers found that 43 cases of non-accidental head trauma (NAHT) happened during the 31 months between December 2007 to June 2010. During the 72 months before the recession, there were 50 cases. While the number of cases was larger, the earlier period covered more than double the number of months.

There were also significantly more injuries during the recession, which lead to more deaths and severe brain injury. “We really weren’t expecting to see such a big increase,” one of the researchers told HealthDay. “It was pretty startling for all of us.”

The study’s results were along the lines of another similar survey of four urban children’s hospitals in Pittsburgh.

No matter the cause or level of frustration, nothing justifies it being taken out on a baby. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services has information on preventing child abuse.

Abusive Head Trauma in Infants Doubled During Recession: Study [US News] (Thanks to gitemstevedave!)

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