Physician's management of the psychological aspects of rape.

Abstract

RAPE IS reported to be the fastestgrowing violent crime,1and it is estimated that one of six women will be raped in her lifetime.2Because of the increasing frequency of rape and accompanying severe emotional and physical trauma, the physician should be able to be sensitive to the psychological needs of the rape victim. This article discusses the psychological sequelae of rape and provides guidelines on how to lessen the psychological trauma, so that the rape victim will be able to better cope with this devastating experience. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Many rape victims may suffer from a post-traumatic stress disorder. This is defined in the third edition of theDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III)3as the development of characteristic symptoms after the experiencing of a psychologically traumatic event or events outside the range of human experience usually considered to be normal. The characteristic symptoms