The main objective of this pilot study is twofold: 1) To investigate whether and to what extent raped adolescents experience symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder at maximum 18 months of follow-up, measured by standardised questionnaires and…
ID
Source
Brief title
Condition
- Anxiety disorders and symptoms
Synonym
Research involving
Sponsors and support
Intervention
Outcome measures
Primary outcome
(1) What is the prevalence of PTSD in raped adolescents after maximum of 18
months of follow-up?
Based on earlier findings in this population it is hypothesized that PTSD is a
common consequence after adolescent rape, with a prevalence of 37-53%. We
hypothesise that the prevalence in this study population will be lower, because
of the multidisiciplinary approach in the acute phase (< 72 hours after rape)
and during follow-up. The current treatment in the first month after rape
consists of *watchful waiting*, implying that a healthcare professional follows
the victim*s recovery process and provides advices about daily routine and
seeking social support. Subsequently, if necessary, trauma-focused therapy
(EMDR and/ or CBT) during follow-up.
After completing the study, we can discuss if the current approach is
sufficient to diminish PTSD symptomology at follow-up, compared to the overall
prevalence of PTSD in raped adolescents.
(2) What individual factors or characteristics of the adolescent patient and
the rape event determine indicate whether a raped adolescent develops PTSD or
not?
For this part of the study the measurements at baseline will be used (T=0, <
one week after rape) and additionally measurements at follow-up.
We hypothesise that prior trauma and specific type or rape (i.e. more sexual
acts during one rape) are correlated with a higher prevalence of PTSD; and that
trauma focused therapy during follow-up is correlated with a lower prevalence
of PTSD compared to the overall prevalence of PTSD of 37-53% in raped
adolescents.
This pilot study explores characteristics of rape and victim as potential
predictors to contribute in future research. This knowledge is relevant to
consider direct treatment after exposure to rape and to prevent long term
consequences of PTSD, based on the individual patient characteristics.
When PTSD is diagnosed during this study, patients will be offered trauma
focused therapy.
Secondary outcome
N.v.t.
Background summary
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is highly prevalent in adolescents who
have experienced rape, with prevalence rates ranging from 37-53%. Subsequently,
it is found that PTSD is an individual factor associated with inter alia
depression, anxiety disorder and sexual revictimization, up to four times the
risk of experiencing a new rape than individuals without PTSD. Studies that
investigate predictors of PTSD after rape in adolescents are lacking. These
predictors may help in defining who is at risk for PTSD development and,
subsequently, who should be offered immediate adequate post-treatment. There is
existing evidence for the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) to treat PTSD.
Study objective
The main objective of this pilot study is twofold:
1) To investigate whether and to what extent raped adolescents experience
symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder at maximum 18 months of follow-up,
measured by standardised questionnaires and semi-structured clinical
interviews. This prevalence will be compared to the overall prevalence of
rape-related PTSD of 37 - 53% from prior studies .
2) To explore what victim characteristics (prior trauma) and rape
characteristics (multiple acts) will predict the onset of PTSD.
This knowledge is relevant to identify risk factors of PTSD in minors and
thereby develop an adequate treatment directly after exposure to rape and to
prevent long term consequences of PTSD. We hypothesise that prior trauma and
specific type or rape (i.e. more sexual acts during one rape) are correlated to
a higher prevalence of PTSD at maximum 18 months follow-up; and that the
allocation of trauma-focused therapy is correlated to a lower prevalence of
PTSD in raped minors .
Study design
The proposed pilot study will have a retrospective cohort design. This means
that the study population was assessed at baseline (T = 0, < one week after
rape) with regard to victim and rape characteristics. At time of follow-up (up
to a maximum of 18 months), the subjects will be assessed cross-sectionally
whether they met the PTSD diagnostic criteria. This study consists of two
parts: 1) a clinical semi-structured interview, and 2) a questionnaire study.
Study burden and risks
We try to minimize the impact that the study might have on the participants, by
using non-invasive terminology in the information letter and in the
questionnaire, such as for instance sexual assault instead of rape. On request,
the questionnaires and the semi-structured interview can be completed in the
participant*s home environment; they do not have to come to the Centre. The
investigator will be able to visit the patients at their homes on request. In
case the questionnaire might trigger some unexpected reaction in the
participant, the patient and parents are welcome to contact the Psycho trauma
Centre for help and treatment will be offered.
Lundlaan 6
Utrecht 3584 EA
NL
Lundlaan 6
Utrecht 3584 EA
NL
Listed location countries
Age
Inclusion criteria
- patients 12 to 18 years
- History of acute rape (< 1 week)
- Rape > 3months ago
- Cognitive level: IQ > 70
Exclusion criteria
- patients < 12 years and = >18 years
- Cognitive level: IQ < 70
Design
Recruitment
Followed up by the following (possibly more current) registration
No registrations found.
Other (possibly less up-to-date) registrations in this register
No registrations found.
In other registers
| Register | ID |
|---|---|
| CCMO | NL42748.041.13 |