NCJ Number
145812
Journal
Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Volume: 32 Issue: 5 Dated: (September 1993) Pages: 948-953
Date Published
1993
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Designed to explore the development of psychopathology in abused children, this study found that gender, age, and stressors other than abuse predicted psychiatric disorders in abused children.
Abstract
It was hypothesized that physical abuse would predict behavior disorders and symptoms, including violent aggression, regardless of gender; that sexual abuse would predict emotional disorders (anxiety and depression) and somatization, regardless of gender; and that sexual abuse would be more likely to result in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in both sexes. Of children seen at the pediatric abuse clinic of the Arkansas Children's Hospital during a 1-year period, 41 who had been abused repeatedly, either physically or sexually, by a parent or parent figure were selected for study. The 23 boys and 18 girls were given the revised Diagnostic Interview for Children and Adolescents. Logistic regression analyses showed that conduct disorder was predicted by male gender and increasing age, regardless of abuse type. PTSD was predicted by the number of stressors other than abuse and not by sexual versus physical abuse. Predictors of somatization, psychotic symptoms, suicidal ideation, and separation anxiety also were identified. It is concluded that gender, age, and stressors other than abuse contribute to the prediction of psychiatric disorders in abused children. Early intervention with young abused boys may prevent the development of violent behavior or conduct disorder. Further, case work to reduce other stressors and treatments designed to reduce the impact of stressors may ameliorate the development of PTSD and other emotional disorders in abused children. 22 references