Of the 18 children, 16 displayed at least 1 of 5 functional effects including severe fright or post-traumatic stress response, mental indoctrination, grief or rage over parental abandonment, rejection of the offending parent, and exaggerated identification with or wish fulfillment about a parent. The two girls who exhibited none of these symptoms had been told the truth about their father's intentions and maintained continual telephone contact with their mother. Pediatricians and child psychiatrists should consult directly with lawyers involved in custody cases in order to avoid some of these child snatching incidents. Furthermore, child mental health workers should present the child's perspective to the courts. All children who return from kidnapping experiences should be evaluated by a psychiatrist. 1 table and 23 notes (Author abstract modified)