In the 'Childhood' section of our in-depth questionnaire we ask the following question about sexual abuse during childhood:
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Were you ever molested / sexually abused / raped as a child? Only include incidents that occurred up until the age of 18.
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Your answer |
...indicates |
...and suggests |
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"No / can't remember / don't know" |
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| 2. |
"There was occasional molestation" |
Sexual abuse during childhood |
A risk factor |
| 3. |
"Frequent molestation and/or isolated serious abuse" |
Sexual abuse during childhood |
A risk factor |
| 4. |
"Occasional serious abuse over a long period" |
Sexual abuse during childhood |
A risk factor |
| 5. |
"Frequent serious abuse over a long period" |
Severe sexual abuse during childhood |
A risk factor |
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Your answer will affect the likelihoods of the conditions below.
Any answers in green reduce the likelihood of the condition.
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| Answers |
Condition |
Comment |
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5 |
Low Adrenal Function / Adrenal Insufficiency |
Females who have been abused are more sensitive to life's stresses many years after the original abuse event(s). This elevated stress response can lead to adrenal exhaustion. |
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5 |
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) |
Recent studies have shown that childhood abuse (particularly sexual abuse) is a strong predictor of the lifetime likelihood of developing PTSD. |
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Stress |
One study showed that an average adult female is 6 times more sensitive to stress if she was sexually molested as a child. |
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GLOSSARY
Adrenal Insufficiency (Adrenal Exhaustion, Low Adrenal Function)
A condition in which the adrenal gland is compromised in its production of epinephrine, norepinephrine, cortisol, corticosterone or aldosterone. Symptoms include primarily fatigue, weakness, decreased appetite with ensuing weight loss, as well as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation, or increased pigmentation of the skin. Cortical insufficiency (low or no corticosteroids) produces a more serious condition called Addison’s Disease, characterized by extreme weakness, low blood pressure, pigmentation of the skin, shock or even death.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD)
An anxiety disorder in which symptoms develop following a psychologically distressing event that is outside the normal range of human experiences (e.g. military combat, sexual assault, natural disasters, severe auto accidents). The essential features of PTSD include increased arousal, re-experiencing of a traumatic event, and avoidance of stimuli associated with the traumatic event. The symptoms include continued flashbacks, nightmares, and intense distress when exposed to an object or situation that is related to the traumatic event.
Last updated: May 10, 2007
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