title: Post-traumatic Stress Disorder After Sexual Abuse in Adolescent Girls.
abstract: The sexual assault of girls and women in this country is estimated at approximately 20%. The development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after sexual abuse and assault is one of the potential lingering aftereffects. In this article we describe PTSD after sexual abuse and its effect 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, are 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 after sexual abuse will allow PAG providers to deliver better care to their patients.
authors.affiliation: Departments of Psychiatry, and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado.
authors.forename: Bethany D
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: Ashby
authors.affiliation: Section of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado. Electronic address: paritosh.kaul@childrenscolorado.org.
authors.forename: Paritosh
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kaul
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002650:Child Abuse, Sexual / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*
keywords: PTSD; Pain; Sexual abuse