Female sexual abuse survivors as patients: avoiding retraumatization

The literature on adult female psychiatric patients who are survivors of childhood sexual abuse is reviewed. This literature shows both high rates of such abuse and a characteristic pattern of symptoms that distinguishes these survivors from other patients. A theoretical framework is discussed which explains how psychiatric symptoms may develop after childhood sexual abuse and how diagnosis and treatment may serve to maintain or intensify such symptoms. Viewing patients from a posttraumatic treatment perspective is advocated as a strategy for nursing to effectively help these patients with the healing process.