dysfunctional family:

 

A family is dysfunctional when the adult caregiver is unable to provide safety, care and love for the children.

In such family, there may be a parent who is narcissistic or emotionally unavailable, causing physically or emotional abuse and neglect to the child. Codependency and parentification may also arise out of the situation.

Children growing up in a dysfunctional family may seem normal in outward appearance. However, upon reaching adulthood, they may find themselves struggling with anxiety, addictions, intimacy issues, depression and suicidal thoughts.