SYMPOSIA
SYMPOSIA
SYMPOSIA
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Abstracts of the Invited Speakers<br />
induced glucocorticoid release is chronic, permanent changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis may ensue. This may<br />
account for the dopaminergic abnormalities considered central to biological accounts of psychosis. Other researchers are also examining<br />
the role of dissociative processes, attachment styles, and trauma related cognitive biases to try to better understand precisely how<br />
childhood trauma can lead to psychosis later in life.<br />
Clinically it is imperative to routinely enquire about traumatic experiences to respond appropriately and to offer psychosocial treatments<br />
to those who report traumatic life events in the context of psychotic experiences.<br />
Key words: Trauma, psychotic disorders, schizophrenia<br />
Bulletin of Clinical Psychopharmacology 2011;21(Suppl. 2):S79-80<br />
Relationship of sexual dysfunction with trauma<br />
Murat Erdem<br />
Gulhane Military Medical Faculty, Psychiatry Department, Ankara, Turkey<br />
E-mail: drmerdem@yahoo.com<br />
Exposure to sexual trauma in adulthood is perceived as helplessness and loss of control even if sexuality has been defined as a pleasant<br />
event before trauma. Feelings of guilt and shame occurring after trauma as well as secondary clinical pictures such as depression,<br />
post traumatic stress disorder, and alcoholism are major causes of sexual dysfunction. Also sexual abuse in childhood raises a sense of<br />
weakness and perception of inadequacy. These individuals are at risk of developing inappropriate sexual behaviors over time. Indulging<br />
in sexual behaviors and thoughts that are evaluate sexuality as a gift or privilege are precursors for these inappropriate behaviors. In<br />
addition, the stigmatization caused by feelings of shame and guilt in these children is another cause of sexual problems in the future.<br />
Childhood sexual trauma is associated with negative attitudes about sexuality, lack of sexual satisfaction, orgasmic failure, need for sexual<br />
therapy and low self-esteem about sexual attractiveness. Chronic pelvic pain is a significant clinical entity which causes sexual dysfunction<br />
in many ways. In studies, the rate of traumatic childhood sexual experiences was found to be over 60% in these patients (N. Leithner,<br />
2006). The difference between patients with chronic pelvic pain and a healthy control group was found to be even greater in terms of the<br />
increasing violence of sexual trauma. In a study of 63 patients with chronic pelvic pain, a history of sexual trauma was identified in 64.5%<br />
of cases and deficiencies in sexual function were found to be associated with the level of depression in these patients (ME Randolph,<br />
2006).<br />
There are several studies that show that physical and sexual trauma plays a role in the etiology of vaginismus. In a study comparing the<br />
childhood and adolescent sexual traumas of patients with vaginismus and dyspareunia and control groups -(each group consisting of<br />
29 patients) childhood sexual trauma was found to be twice as high as the control group in the vaginismus group (Reissing ED, 2003).<br />
In the literature there are case reports suggesting that EMDR is effective in cases of vaginismus resulting from childhood sexual trauma.<br />
In studies evaluating the relationship between childhood sexual traumas and a specific sexual dysfunction, aand in studies examining<br />
sexual functioning in general, a strong relationship has been found between these two situations. Structural vulnerability and the severity<br />
of sexual trauma were also reported to affect this relationship. While childhood sexual trauma is associated with sexual stimulation<br />
disorder, orgasmic disorder, vaginismus, dyspareunia and emotional problems about sexuality (sexual guilt, sexual anxiety etc.) in most<br />
individuals, high-risk sexual behaviors, characterized by extreme preoccupation with sexuality and uncontrolled sexual relationships, are<br />
seen in fewer individuals.<br />
Sexual childhood trauma in men is being reported, recognized and treated less frequently than the actual prevalence. Sexual dysfunction<br />
in these individuals was reported to be seen at least five times more than people who have not been exposed to a trauma. In a study of<br />
1793 individuals, exposure to sexual trauma before age 16 has been reported at more than 1/3 of women and about 1/6 of men. In both<br />
sexes, especially in women, an association between the presence of childhood sexual trauma and sexual dysfunction has been identified<br />
(Najma JM, 2005). Leonard et al. found that problems associated with orgasm are the most frequent sexual problems seen in individuals<br />
who were exposed to a childhood sexual trauma (2008).<br />
Key words: Trauma, sexual dysfunction<br />
Bulletin of Clinical Psychopharmacology 2011;21(Suppl. 2):S80<br />
S80 Bulletin of Clinical Psychopharmacology, Vol: 21, Supplement: 2, 2011 - www.psikofarmakoloji.org