Psychopathology in non-clinically referred sexually abused children

Objective: To determine the prevalence of psychiatric symptoms and disorder s found in non-clinically referred, sexually abused children (nCR-SAC), age d 6 to 16 years, during the 30- to 60-day period after disclosure and termi nation of abuse. Method: Eighty nCR-SAC were compared with clinical and non clinical groups of nonabused children matched by age, race, and socioeconom ic status. Structured and semistructured interviews and standardized rating scales were used for assessment. Results: More posttraumatic stress disord er (PTSD) was found in the nCR-SAC than in the two comparison groups, and s ymptom severity was intermediate, except for symptoms of posttraumatic stre ss, trait anxiety, and depression, which were highest in the nCR-SAC. Concl usions: Sexually abused children are at high risk for PTSD and symptoms of posttraumatic stress, anxiety. and depression in the immediate period after disclosure and termination of abuse. Findings indicate the need for routin e and systematic evaluation for these symptoms and PTSD for treatment plann ing.