Het psychologisch, neurobiologisch en seksueel functioneren van adolescente slachtoffers van een eerste verkrachting

This article provides an overview of previously published substudies on
the psychological, neurobiological and sexual functioning, in victims of
first time rape. The patient group consisted of 323 female adolescents
aged 12–25 years who were admitted at the Psychotrauma Center for
Children and Youth in the University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU)
for mental health treatment between 2005-2011. In this group, 79.6%
and 20.4% reported rape and attempted rape respectively. Victims of
chronic sexual abuse were excluded from the study. Results of the vari
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ous substudies show that help-seeking victims of first rape reported
high levels of psychological distress. Next, results show that adolescents
with rape-related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) have lower cor
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tisol and dehydro-epiandrosteron sulfate (DHEAS) levels compared to
non-victimized controls, suggesting dysregulated functioning of the
biological stress system. Finally, it appeared that three years after receiv
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ing evidence-based treatment for PTSD, victims were still significantly
more likely to have a sexual dysfunction and a pelvic floor dysfunction
compared to non-victimized controls. Summarized, the results lead to
the suggestion that the experience of a first time rape has a significant
negative impact on various life domains. Based on prior research, the
authors argue that immediate professional help as provided to victims
in the multidisciplinary Center for Sexual Assault can partly prevent the
onset of problems as well as sexual revictimization.