Case Study on Adolescent Sexual Abuse
Case Situation Elias is a five year old Mexican American male who has recently been referred to the community counseling center due to the exposure of sexual abuse by his stepfather. Elias was a client of this community center approximately 18 months earlier. Elias had been referred for poor impulse control and hyperactivity. At that time he was diagnosed as having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). He also met with the agency psychiatrist who had prescribed Elias Focalin. His cased was closed after only a few sessions due to the family’s inconsistency and withdrawal from services. At this point in time Elias has been attending his sessions with his mother and baby brother. Stepfather’s whereabouts are unknown and he has not had any contact with the family since the abuse was exposed. Elias has returned to taking Focalin, since he failed to continue taking his medication after withdrawing from services. However, there have been no changes noted in his behavior since he has begun to take the medication. The psychiatrist believes that this may be due to the low dosage he has prescribed Elias and because of such, the psychiatrist has opted to slowly increase the dosage and closely monitor any changes. The clinician notes that Elias is extremely hyperactive and exhibits minimal impulse control. Other than his high levels of restlessness, Elias shows no observable signs or symptoms of reaction to the sexual abuse. When clinician has attempted to process with Elias about the abuse or his feelings about the abuse, Elias has changed the subject or ignored the clinician all together. Mother states that she has noticed no changes in his behavior since the abuse was discovered.
Practice Effectiveness Questions The special population in discussion is children, the social problems in focus are sexual abuse and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which leads the target client group to be children who have
Practice Effectiveness Questions The special population in discussion is children, the social problems in focus are sexual abuse and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which leads the target client group to be children who have
References: Ackerman, P., Newton, J., McPherson, W., Jones, J., & Dykman, R. (1998). Prevalence of post traumatic stress disorder and other psychiatric diagnosis in three groups of abused children (sexual, physical, and both). Child Abuse & Neglect, 22(8), 759-774. Retrieved March 26, 2008. Briscoe-Smith, A.M, & Hinshaw, S.P. (2006, December). Linkages between child abuse and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in girls: Behavioral and social correlates. Child Abuse & Neglect, 30(12), 1239-1255. Retrieved April 4, 2008. Cohen, J.A., Mannarino, A.P. (1998, February). Interventions for Sexually Abused Children: Initial Treatment Outcome Findings. Child Maltreatment 3(1), 17-26. Retrieved April 7, 2008. King, N., Heyne, D., Tonge, B., Mullen, P., Myerson, N., Rollings, S., & Ollendick, T. (2003). Sexually abused children suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder: assessment and treatment strategies. Cognitive Behavior Therapy, 32(1), 2-12. Retrieved April 1, 2008. Mattox, R., & Harder, J. (2007, April). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Diverse Populations. Child & Adolescent Social Work Journal, 24(2), 195-207. Retrieved April 4, 2008. Ray, D., Schottelkorb, A., & Tsai, M. (2007, December). Play therapy with children exhibiting symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. International Journal of Play Therapy, 16(2), 95-111. Retrieved April 3, 2008. Saywitz, K., Mannarino, A., Berliner, L., & Cohen, J. (2000, September). Treatment of Sexually abused children and adolescents. American Psychologist, 55(9), 1040-1049. Retrieved March 24, 2008. Weinstein, D., Staffelbach, D., & Biaggio, M. (2000, April). Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Differential Diagnosis in Childhood Sexual Abuse. Child Psychology Review 30(2), 359-378. Retrieved April 4, 2008.