Which of the following best describes psychological abuse?

Psychological abuse is characterized by behaviors that harm a patient's mental and emotional well-being. It involves actions that may belittle, threaten, or manipulate an individual, leading to feelings of fear, humiliation, or a diminished sense of self-worth. The act of belittling or threatening a patient falls squarely within this definition, as it directly impacts the victim's mental health and can lead to long-lasting emotional trauma.

While providing support and reassurance might contribute to a positive therapeutic environment, it does not align with the definition of abuse. Similarly, giving medication to calm a patient pertains to care and management of a patient's physical or psychological symptoms and does not fall under the category of abuse. Ignoring a patient's concerns, though potentially harmful, is more aligned with neglect rather than the direct psychological manipulations that constitute psychological abuse. Therefore, belittling or threatening remains the clearest example of psychological abuse among the provided options.