Behavioural psychopathology of child sexual abuse in schoolgirls referred to a tertiary centre: A North London study

Abstract

The sexually abused girls in this study were a sub-sample of a group of girls referred to a Regional Centre for Psychotherapy for the whole of London, North Thames. An inclusion criterion was that they were psychologically symptomatic and so it is likely that they were more problematic cases causing concern in their locality. The control clinical group consisted of referrals to local Child and Family consultation services, were an opt-in matched sample and not a total clinic referral sample. In addition, the reasons for referral covered both child disorder and family problems. It is, therefore, important to bear in mind the differences between these two groups. Certain clear cut findings have emerged from this study. No disorders specific to child sexual abuse in girls were identified but the extent and severity of the disturbance in the sexually abused sample was most striking. In these girls an event (CSA), together with referral because of emotional symptoms, was associated with enhanced severity of disorder and comorbidity particularly with reference to a cluster of disorders comprising post-traumatic stress disorder, depressive disorder, anxiety disorders (general and separation), social phobias and reactive attachment disorder. In the community clinic sample the identified disorders were mainly those of separation anxiety disorders and adjustment. Wide comorbidity was common in the sexual abuse sample and also severity of impairment was notable when compared to the clinic sample. However, because of the selected nature of the abuse group the findings are not generalisable beyond the population from which they emerged. The view is advanced that there are strong grounds for exploring the utility of psychodynamic psychotherapy in similar samples of sexually abused girls. These findings are discussed in the light of the current literature.

Psychotherapy for sexually abused girls: psychopathological outcome findings and patterns of change

“…It was anticipated that there would be a description, by professional staff who had referred the children, in similar terms to those used in referrals to mental health clinics. This proved to be the case, except that the symptoms proved to be wider and more severe than in children referred to community clinics (Trowell et al , 1999). Systematisation of the psychopathological diagnosis and coding of impairment were related to the subsequent baseline assessment.…”

Management of physical child abuse in South Africa: literature review and children’s hospital data analysis

“…71,72 The consequences of such depend on several factors including the severity of abuse, the age of the child when abused, the relationship with the perpetrator and the duration of abuse. 45,[73][74][75][76][77][78][79][80][81] Stress is one of the short-term consequences of maltreatment, which can lead to disruption in early brain development and impaired development of the immune and nervous systems. 10 In contrast with the consequences for physical and sexual health, psychiatric disorders and suicidal behaviour have been given little attention, 50,73,74 but they should not be underestimated.…”

Youth Sexual Exploitation on the Internet: DSM-IV Diagnoses and Gender Differences in Co-occurring Mental Health Issues

“…Psychiatric disorders reported among various groups of sexually abused youth include anxiety disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorder; mood disorders; and substance disorders (Avery, Massa, & Lundy, 2000;Molnar, Buka, & Kessler, 2001;Trowell et al, 1999). Other reported issues include post-traumatic stress, cognitive disorders, emotional pain, avoidance, low self-esteem, guilt, self-blame, delinquency, substance abuse, vulnerability to repeated victimization, and interpersonal difficulties (Briere & Elliott, 1994;Browne & Finkelhor, 1986;Finkelhor, 1990;Finkelhor & Browne, 1988).…”