Citation

Seligman Z, Bleich A. Harefuah 2002; 141(1): 34-8, 126.

Affiliation

Souraski Tel-Aviv Medical Center, SAckler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, Israel Medical Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

11851104

Abstract

Childhood sexual abuse is A highly prevalent phenomenon that has disastrous lifelong effects on emotional and physical development, interfering with almost every aspect of a persons existence. Research and clinical observations of psychological trauma have led to a clinical recognition of the complexity of survivors clinical presentation and needs, helping therapists to develop special treatment models for them. In this article we present a treatment model for survivors of childhood sexual abuse that was designed and implemented over the past three years in a specialized unit of psychiatric services at the Tel-Aviv Medical Center. Three case studies are used to illustrate the treatment process and the guiding theoretical model. The existence of such a treatment unit within a general medical center makes it possible to provide a diverse population of survivors with integrated psychological and physical care geared to their various needs. The former focuses on mental stabilization, strengthening of the ego, and improved adjustment to the trauma and its effects. Interdisciplinary guidance by the therapist ensures appropriate medical attention to the wide range of problems typical of survivors, such as gynecological and gastroenterological problems, eating disorders, and sexual differences.

Language: he