Citation

Ashby BD, Kaul P. J. Pediatr. Adolesc. Gynecol. 2016; 29(6): 531-536.

Affiliation

Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Section of Adolescent Medicine Department of Pediatrics, Aurora, Colorado. Electronic address: paritosh.kaul@childrenscolorado.org.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, Publisher Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jpag.2016.01.127

PMID

26872713

Abstract

The sexual assault of girls and women in this country is estimated at around 20%. The development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following sexual abuse and assault is one of the potential lingering aftereffects. This article will describe PTSD following sexual abuse and its impact on presenting complaints, such as sexually transmitted infections, contraception, and chronic pain, for the pediatric and adolescent gynecology (PAG) clinician. Treatment approaches, including the use of antidepressants and anxiolytics, as well as evidenced based psychotherapies, will be highlighted. In addition this article will assist the PAG clinician in identifying trauma related concerns during clinic visits and will cover specific screening tools to aid in identification of PTSD. A better understanding of PTSD following sexual abuse will allow PAG providers to deliver better care to their patients.

Language: en