PSYCHIATRIC INVESTIGATION OF ALLEGATIONS OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

Allegations of child sexual abuse are commonly seen in psychiatric pra ctices. While these must be carefully evaluated, false allegations do occur. The syndrome of child sexual abuse is reviewed, including preva lence, setting, course, and sequelae. Common techniques of clinical in vestigations are discussed. The uses and limitations of interviews, an atomically correct dolls, and drawings are reviewed. Providers are enc ouraged to make thoughtful, informed judgments and not to overstate th e power of our techniques.