Maternal deprivation syndrome is a form of failure to thrive that is caused by neglect (intentional or unintentional).

The majority of cases of failure to thrive in infants and young children (under 2 years old) are not caused by disease. Most cases are caused by dysfunctional caregiver interaction, poverty, child abuse, and parental ignorance about appropriate child care. Such cases are considered "nonorganic" failure to thrive. Failure to thrive in children less than 2 years old is defined as failure to gain adequate weight, failure of linear growth, and failure to achieve some or all developmental milestones.

In maternal deprivation syndrome, although the mother or other primary caregiver may appear concerned, the interplay and physical contact normally seen between mother and infant may be absent or distorted.

Factors that may contribute to maternal deprivation syndrome include:

• Young age of parent (teenage parents)
• Unplanned or unwanted pregnancy
• Lower levels of education (especially failure to complete high school)
• Lower socioeconomic status
• Absence of the father
• Absence of a support network (family, close friends, or other support)
• Mental illness, including severe postpartum depression