Post-Traumatic stress disorder in children who were sexually abused and in their parents

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate prevalence and severity of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in sexually abused children and in their parents.Materials and methods: Thirty-six sexually abused children and their parents formed the study group. Among children who presented to a first step health care office with various complaints 54 children without any sexual trauma history and with socio-demographical features similar to the study group have been included in the study with their parents as control group. PTSD symptoms of children and their parents were evaluated by post-traumatic stress disorder scales administered by clinicians.Results: Seventy-five percent of the children in the study group and 25 % of the children in the control group were diagnosed at least one psychiatric disorder. PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorder were the most frequent diagnoses in the study group. Frequency of PTSD diagnosis in children and their fathers was 64% and in their mothers 75%. In the control group it was 2% and 8% respectively.Conclusions: PTSD is prevalent in children victimized by sexual abuse and in their parents. In case of a sexual abuse, evaluating only the children does not seem to be sufficient; rather evaluating also their parents would be beneficial.