- Not all, but many adolescent sexual assault victims experience symptoms of posttraumatic stress (e.g., flashbacks, nightmares, hyperarousal, avoidance), depression (e.g., sadness, sleep problems), and drug and alcohol problems.
- The amount of distress experienced in the hours and first days following the sexual assault is a predictor of distress in the future.
- Medical examination procedures are expected to be stressful since they involve cues related to sexual assault.
- Preparing adolescents for what to expect in the medical examination, educating them about common reactions to sexual assault, and teaching them healthy coping skills may help reduce potential exam-related distress and risk of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, and drug and alcohol abuse following the assault.
- Adolescents could benefit from learning positive coping skills to help them deal with possible symptoms in the future.
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