ABSTRACT
Though, tragically, starvation is one of the most widespread scourges of our planet, we are here concerned with individual neglect with which starvation is often associated, either as a potentially criminal act or as a manifestation of self-neglect. As with so many conditions, the extremes of life are most affected, rather than the middle years (Fig. 17.1). Infants and children are at the mercy of their parents or guardians for the provision of care and sustenance. The old are prey to senile dementias and other disorders of the mind, as well as often being devoid of spouse or caring relatives – or sometimes even the financial means to stay warm and adequately fed.
