Since emotional abuse doesn't always leave visible scars or bruises, it can be hard to diagnose. In fact, sometimes the victims don't even see it. They may not feel good about themselves or their relationships, but they don't connect it with how their abusers treat them.
Sometimes, a third person will witness the abuse and recognize it right away or over time. Healthcare workers also may be able to diagnose the abuse if they ask the victim the right questions without the abuser being present.