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Childhood Sexual Abuse in Adult Female Psychotherapy Referrals

Incidence and Implications for Treatment

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Helen Sheldon
Helen Sheldon*
Affiliation:
McCartney Day Department, North Manchester General Hospital, Delaunays Road, Crumpsall, Manchester M8, and Psychotherapist, Women's Counselling and Therapy Service, Leeds
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Abstract

Among 115 women referred to a regional psychotherapy unit, childhood sexual abuse was reported at the referral or assessment stage by 19, and referred to covertly by 5. A significant number of cases must remain undetected. For the purpose of this study, sexual abuse includes any form of sexual activity between a female child and a familiar adult or young person older than her, which was perceived by the subject to be of a sexual nature and distressing to her. The symptoms in adulthood have been described as similar to those of Borderline Personality Disorder. Development, treatment and implications are discussed.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 152 , Issue 1 , January 1988 , pp. 107 - 111
Copyright
Copyright © The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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