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Depressed adolescents with a history of sexual abuse: diagnostic comorbidity and suicidality
Objective:
To determine the nature of comorbid psychopathology and suicidality associated with a history of sexual abuse in depressed adolescents.
Method:
Twenty-four depressed adolescent inpatients with a history of sexual abuse were compared with a matched control group of 24 depressed adolescent inpatients on measures of depression, suicidal ideation and behavior, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms.
Results:
Depressed adolescents with a history of sexual abuse had a higher prevalence of comorbid PTSD than did those without such a history. Chronicity and severity of abuse were significant contributors to a PTSD diagnosis. No differences were found in depression severity, specific depressive symptoms, or suicidal behavior.
Conclusion:
Comorbidity of depressive disorders and PTSD are common among adolescent inpatients with a history of chronic sexual abuse. The need for thorough assessment of depression and PTSD with appropriate interventions for sexually abused adolescents is clear.