Amy Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Case Study

In order to illustrate a key stage in the life course, I will be looking at the area of adolescence because I believe that this is one of the most critical life stages, with so many immense transitions young people go through. I have chosen to focus on adolescence because of a commitment to working with these vulnerable individuals aged from 14 to 19. We can no doubt all reflect on wrong choices we felt we made in our adolescence, and how our education and employment prospects may have benefited from good advice at this crucial juncture in life. I want to be able to guide vulnerable adolescents in the right direction and help them make the right choices, by understanding their needs, and supporting them in practical ways to live fulfilling and independent lives. From personal experience, I sincerely believe that with the right kind of guidance and attention, troubled teenagers can get back on track.

Studies have shown a clear correlation between childhood sexual assault (CSA) and negative sexual experiences later in life. Of relevance to the criminal justice system, these later forms of sexual victimization include sexual assault and sex work. The relationship between CSA and adverse sexual development is a correlation between two things, not a direct pathway from cause to effect. While survivors of sexual assault are at a higher risk of experiencing these later forms of victimization, this correlation represents a highly complex process involving a wide range of mediating factors and the intersections between them. Any experience of sexual assault is highly traumatic. Survivors of CSA, however, represent a unique population, because their trauma occurs near the start of the human developmental process and therefore alters all development thereafter.

The data for the present study was taken entirely from the previous study (Add Health), which collected four waves of data on American adolescent youth. Data was collected from one hundred thirty-two schools across the United States. More than 90,000 students completed an initial survey questionnaire in school. 20,745 of these adolescents and 17,700 of their primary caregivers were interviewed

With the prevention of mental and physical health difficulties and the advancement of well-being and health, there is emphasis on reducing the breach between mental health needs that are not met among youngsters and teenagers and operational evidence-based services to meet them (Rones and Hoagwood 2000; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 1999; U.S. Public Health Service 2000 as cited in Flaspohler, Meehan, Maras, & Keller, 2012). Despite evidence that school viciousness and other main problems among youth may have declined or leveled off, a significant need for effective prevention programming is still necessary. Current data suggests that of “11.3 % of young people in this country, about 7.4 million youth altogether, have at least one diagnosable emotional, behavioral, or developmental condition; 40 % of these youth are diagnosed with two or more of these conditions” (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 2010).

Family violence is always disheartening. Childhood sexual abuse is by far the worse. There are many forms of childhood sexual abuse. The sexual abuse can involve seduction by a beloved relative or it can be a violent act committed by a stranger. Childhood sexual trauma causes psychological, interpersonal, and behavioral. This paper will show a first account of the impact of childhood trauma.

Any victim of sexual abuse faces the chance of having their development impacted. This is especially true amongst children. Studies have proven that children who have been sexually abused by a female offender often have different developmental experiences (T.A. Gannon, 2008, p. 356). Mental illness is yet another impact that victims face. Many sexual abuse victims transpire into states of depression, rage, and suicide; they even have strained relationships with certain individuals (Denov, 2014, p.

The negative consequences of sexual abuse on children should never be underestimated as it has the potential to damage the child victim psychologically, mentally and physically both in the short term and long term. This has been demonstrated in the findings of studies on sexually abused children. Some studies also conclude that sexual abuse is not a traumatic experience to some children at the time of the abuse. This suggests that there is no lasting effect on these children as it does not harm them. Other studies suggest that some children are resilient as they device some coping mechanism to deal with the

Being sexually abused is a very traumatizing experience, and this form of victimization at a young age only amplifies the situation. The mortifying nature of child sexual abuse often brings along with it changes in the victim's life. Some of the numerous short term effects (problems that impact them while they are still at a young

Childhood sexual abuse is one form child abuse that includes a wide range of actions between a child and an adult or older child. It is a topic that is receiving much attention and concern in recent years. In this paper several points will be discussed regarding childhood sexual abuse. We must first understand what sexual abuse and who is at a higher risk for being abused. It is also important to know and be aware of signs and symptoms of childhood sexual abuse. But most importantly the long term effects that childhood sexual abuse can cause should be well understood so that early intervention and recovery can be implemented. A case study conducted in Australia proves that childhood sexual abuse does not stop when the abuse stops but it very well impacts the survivor throughout adulthood. This further stresses the importance of early intervention and the importance of raising awareness about this type of abuse.

Child sexual abuse has been reported up to 80,000 times a year, but the number of unreported instances is far greater, because the children are afraid to tell anyone what has happened (American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry). Childhood sexual abuse is a traumatic experience affecting the lives of not only the victim, but those close to the victim as well. Many think there is only one person truly traumatized, but in fact, everyone involved is affected. The victim has to deal with their experience the rest of their lives. They may be more at risk for other mental issues as well, including depression. The family involved has to deal with its pain, often causing hardship and discord within the family. This is especially true

Finally, the author mentioned that at a young age of a child who was sexual abuse, once the child report this case to their parents and the family is supportive, it helps reduce lots of abuse related symptoms than a family who lacks emotional, trusting, or psychical support for the child. For instance, a child that was sexual abuse who grew up with a dysfunctional family, such as smoking, or a single parenting that child would be more likely to form an addiction to substance abuse drugs than family who trusted the child and supported the child. From my opinion, I believe that most of this sexual abuse related symptoms are linked with each other. For instance, the author mentioned anxiety, but anxiety can lead to anger and withdrawn from

In a study done by Shapiro, Kaplow, Amays-Jackson and Dodge (2012), approximately 6% of children suffer some form of sexual abuse each year. A range of psychological problems are associated with children who have been sexually abused. They are also at a substantially increased risk of psychopathology (Molnar, Buka, & Kessler, 2001) especially in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They also show signs of generalized anxiety, depression, dissociation, attention problems, aggressive behavior and conduct problems, and even suicidal behaviors and substance abuse. There is an extent to their well-being and everyday

It is a well-known fact that violence and rates of injury today are higher than they were forty years ago, especially in the adolescent population. A great deal of evidence through the years has shown mortality in adolescent is linked to preventable deaths related to risky and unhealthy behaviors. As many of the common morbidities and moralities of adolescence are related to preventable health conditions associated with behavioral, environmental and social causes, it is important that preventive services for this age group reflect these issues. Thus indicating a strong need for the promotion of adolescent preventive services and a change in the way healthcare is delivered to this vulnerable population. In response to this

The pains and the pleasures experienced at the past as a result of sexual abuse are usually tagged along in the present adult relationships. Psychologists have reported that the pain from mental and sexual torture or abuse experienced during childhood are usually almost impossible to erase them beyond adolescents and in adult relationships (Mullen, 1993). Researchers also argue out that the survivors who experienced sexual abuse during their childhood years are relatively more susceptible or more prone to being assaulted or revictimized again during their adolescent years and in their adult relationships. Females have been indicated to be more prone to sexually abuse as compared to males (Putnam, 2003). Childhood sexual abuse is likely to shape an individual’s personality and thereby affect interactions with others and her environment.

My Graduate Thesis is on the topic of Child Sexual Abuse. In addition to compelling statistics related to the incidence of sexual abuse and assault, there is mounting evidence supporting the notion that early victimization places persons at risk of subsequent psychological problems. Studies related to the impact of sexual abuse in childhood, for example, indicate an association of the experience with significant mental health problems in adulthood. High incidence rates of child sexual abuse history have been documented among inpatient and outpatient populations. The significant impact of childhood sexual abuse is unquestionable. This impact, however, speaks not only to the individual child who is the victim of the abuse, but also to the mental health community. There is no longer a question of whether child sexual abuse is a criminal justice problem or a social services problem or a mental health problem for that matter, for its power pervades the territory of each. The question must now lie in how to address key issues facing this