title: Sexually abused children suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder: assessment and treatment strategies.
abstract: Child sexual abuse is a highly prevalent problem that frequently occasions the onset of post-traumatic stress disorder in the victimized youngster. This selective review addresses recent advances in the assessment and treatment of sexually abused children with post-traumatic stress disorder. Firstly, we outline the diagnostic criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder and significant moderating variables in the development of post-traumatic stress disorder. Secondly, we address the clinical assessment of post-traumatic stress disorder in sexually abused children, recommending a developmentally sensitive, multi-informant approach. Thirdly, we consider a family-wide cognitive-behavioural treatment framework for sexually abused children with post-traumatic stress disorder that involves both child and non-offending caregivers. Fourthly, we examine the results of recent evaluation studies supportive of cognitive-behavioural therapy in the treatment of sexually abused children. Lastly, we consider conclusions for clinical practice and directions for future research.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Education, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia. neville.king@education.monash.edu.au
authors.forename: Neville J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: King
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Heyne
authors.forename: Bruce J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Tonge
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mullen
authors.forename: Nicole
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Myerson
authors.forename: Stephanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rollings
authors.forename: Thomas H
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: Ollendick