Sexual Victimization of Children (From Sexual Aggression, P 107-128, 1999, Jon A. Shaw, M.D., ed. -- See NCJ-184220)

• NCJ Number: 184224
• Author(s): Diane H. Schetky M.D.
• Date Published: 1999
• Length: 22 pages
• Sale Source: American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc
• Publication Format: Book (Hardbound)
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This chapter discusses the short- and long-term effects of child sexual abuse.

Abstract

The chapter explores the cognitive, psychodynamic, and psychobiological changes involved in moving from victim to patient. This knowledge is essential in diagnosing and treating victims of child sexual abuse and is also important in a forensic context when experts are asked to assess damages and predict treatment needs. The effects of childhood sexual abuse involve a complex interplay of cognitive, emotional, biological, and social factors. One needs to consider each child’s predisposing vulnerabilities, as well as family stability and support, in assessing treatment needs and predicting outcome. Studies on neurobiological dysregulation in sexually abused children suggest that some symptoms may be biologically based, which has important implications for treatment. Clinicians need to consider multiple treatment modalities for sexually abused children, integrating cognitive, behavioral, and psychodynamic techniques when appropriate as well as psychopharmacology in some cases. References