Sexual abuse survivors in Ankara, Turkey: Understanding the impact of post-traumatic stress disorder on self-injury.

Introduction

Self-injury (SI) behavior represents a significant mental health concern that is prevalent among children and adolescents. The aim of this study was to examine the rates and types of suicidal and non-suicidal SI among post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) cases of sexual abuse victims and compare them with a major depressive disorder (MDD) group and a healthy control group.

Methods

This retrospective study focused on patients seeking treatment in the Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University Yenimahalle Education and Research Hospital Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department between 2018 and 2021 in Ankara, Turkey. The study included patients diagnosed with PTSD and MDD following sexual abuse in the PTSD group and assessed standardized scales such as the child depression inventory, screen for child anxiety related emotional disorders, and clinical global impression.

Results

The study included 46 cases in the PTSD-MDD group, 60 in the MDD group, and 47 in the control group. The PTSD-MDD group had significantly higher levels of SI (p < 0.05). The predominant form of SI in this group was self-cutting. Moreover, those with sexual abuse were four times more likely to attempt suicide (OR = 4.1), and the non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) group was 12 times more likely to attempt suicide (OR = 12.7).

Conclusion

These findings highlight the increased risk of self-harm and suicidal behavior in individuals diagnosed with PTSD-MDD who have been sexually abused, particularly highlighting the significant impact of NSSI and its association with increased suicide risk.