ALPHA PSYCHIATRY
Original Articles

Study of factors affecting mental health in sexually abused children and adolescent

Alpha Psychiatry 2012; 13: 292-298
Read: 1019 Downloads: 572 Published: 01 August 2012

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine sociodemografic variables, diagnosis of mental disorders, and fac-tors associated with the mental disorders of sexually abused children and adolescents who referred to child psychiatry outpatient department with the request of criminal report. Methods: In our study, sexually abused 234 children and adolescents (181 girls and 53 boys) aged 3-18 years who referred for criminal reports were evaluated. Case files, social observation reports, and criminal reports were examined retrospectively by the researchers. Results: Touching to the body for the sexual arousal was the most reported type of the sexual abuse (31.2%). More than one sexual abuse was established in 44.9% of cases. 97.9% of the abusers were males, 73.6% were acquaintance, and 14.5% were a family member. 20.1% of cases were sexually abused by more than one abusers and 54.3% were ac-companied by violence. It was determined that 67.1% of cases had at least one mental disorder diagnosis. Children and adolescents who have been sexually abused by more than one abusers, who have been abused by a family member, whose abuse involved, penetration and violence or who have been abused repetitively are at greater risk of developing mental problems. Discussion: Sexual abuse causes long-term emotional and behavioral problems in chil-dren. Some types of sexual abuse may lead to more serious results. Moreover, individual and family characteristics of the victim, and level of social support influence problems related to sexual abuse. [Anadolu Psikiyatri Derg 2012; 13(4.000): 292-298]

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