Psychopathology in non-clinically referred sexually abused children

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of psychiatric symptoms and disorders found in non-clinically referred, sexually abused children (nCR- SAC), aged 6 to 16 years, during the 30- to 60-day period after disclosure and termination of abuse. Method: Eighty nCR-SAC were compared with clinical and nonclinical groups of nonabused children matched by age, race, and socioeconomic status. Structured and semistructured interviews and standardized rating scales were used for assessment. Results: More posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was found in the nCR-SAC than in the two comparison groups, and symptom severity was intermediate, except for symptoms of posttraumatic stress, trait anxiety, and depression, which were highest in the nCR-SAC. Conclusions: Sexually abused children are at high risk for PTSD and symptoms of posttraumatic stress, anxiety, and depression in the immediate period after disclosure and termination of abuse. Findings indicate the need for routine and systematic evaluation for these symptoms and PTSD for treatment planning.