THE COMORBIDITY OF DEPRESSION AND PTSD IN SEXUALLY ABUSED CHILDREN: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Georgia Konstantopoulou, Konstantina Rapatzikou, Panagiotis Karnampatidis, Katerina Karaivazoglou, Eliza Georgiou

Abstract


Background and Purpose: In recent years, the incidence of child sexual abuse (CSA) has significantly increased, particularly among younger children. Such traumatic experiences can have profound and long-lasting effects on a child's mental health, often leading to an increased risk of developing disorders such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study aims to investigate the comorbidity of depression and PTSD in children who have experienced sexual abuse. The primary objective is to examine whether these two disorders frequently coexist in children subjected to CSA. Method: This study follows the PRISMA 2020 guidelines and employs a systematic review methodology. No statistical analysis methods were utilized. The research sample also included adolescents, providing a broader understanding of the effects of CSA across different age groups. Results: The findings revealed a strong correlation between child sexual abuse and the comorbidity of depression and PTSD, indicating that children who have been sexually abused are at a heightened risk of developing both disorders simultaneously. Conclusion: Children who have experienced sexual abuse are highly likely to develop both depression and PTSD. However, further research is necessary to deepen our understanding of this comorbidity and to explore effective interventions.

 

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child sexual abuse; mental health; depression; post-traumatic stress disorder

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References


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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.46827/ejsss.v10i4.1845

Copyright (c) 2024 Georgia Konstantopoulou, Konstantina Rapatzikou, Panagiotis Karnampatidis, Katerina Karaivazoglou, Eliza Georgiou

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