Post-Trauma Stress Disorder in Sexual Harassment: A Case Report



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Submitted Oct 19, 2022
Published Apr 24, 2023
10.24018/ejmed.2023.5.2.1559

Abstract viewed = 805 times

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Background: Violence or sexual harassment have been increasingly reported in recent years, especially among women. Not only at the global level, but also nationally and locally. Violence in the form of sexual harassment and rape can cause deep trauma to the victim, depression, and other mental disorders.

Methods: A case study of sexual harassment that causes post-traumatic stress disorder.

Results and discussion: an 18-year-old woman, still in high school, complained of fear after experiencing several times of violence or sexual harassment by both close people and strangers. With a multiaxial approach, the victim is diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. It was confirmed that the victim had severe depression using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale or extreme depression using the Beck Depression Inventory. In this case, several factors were identified such as: being a victim or previous sexual act, conflict, and violence in the family, emotionally unsupportive family environment, poor parent-child relationships, and poverty. Comprehensive management involves a multidisciplinary approach. Pharmacologically, Risperidone was given 1-milligram tablet every 24 hours orally in the morning, and Sertraline 25 milligrams tablet every 24 hours orally at night. Victims also receive psychotherapy, education, and social support. Furthermore, the victim is monitored regularly.

Conclusion: Sexual violence or harassment is prone to cause Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, so it requires a multidisciplinary approach and comprehensive management. Starting from taking a history to confirm the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring.

Keywords: depression post-traumatic stress disorder sexual harassment of women

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