Sexually abused adolescents are often distrustful of others and may exhibit paranoid behavior or hide weapons for protection Sexually abused adolescents may use various coping methods to deal with abuse. Substance abuse, bulimia or chronic illness may be symptomatic of an adolescent who is trying to suppress feelings related to abuse and to deal with the physical changes, sexuality and relationships with peers and family that are characteristic of adolescence. This disorder may be characterized by sleep disturbances, flashbacks, depression or inappropriate expressions of anger. Severe post-traumatic stress disorder may require extensive therapeutic services. Excessive anger or physical outbursts Perfectionism Intervention Incest and sexual abuse are forms of child abuse.
Counselors have a legal responsibility to report the abuse to the appropriate authorities.
They may alter the facts of the abuse or deny that it occurred in an attempt to protect parents, caretakers and other family members. Counselors must work to regain the adolescent's trust and begin to work on issues related to the abuse. The adolescent needs to gain an understanding of the sexual abuse and learn to express feelings about the abuse, the abuser and other family members. Exploring feelings related to the abuse may help the abused adolescent determine the underlying causes of alcohol and other drug use or other self-defeating behaviors. Most chemically dependent adolescents affected by sexual abuse or incest can be treated effectively within the chemical dependency treatment setting.