T74.21

Clinical Causes: Power and control dynamics within relationships or social settings Situations involving coercion, manipulation, or exploitation Circumstances where the victim feels unable to refuse or seek help Predatory behavior by offenders targeting vulnerable adults History of prior abuse or trauma that may influence vulnerability

Key Symptoms: Emotional responses such as shame, guilt, or self-blame Trust issues and difficulty forming or maintaining relationships Psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Changes in sleep patterns, including insomnia or nightmares Physical symptoms like injuries, sexually transmitted infections, or other health issues Avoidance of places, people, or activities associated with the abuse

Diagnosis Path: Diagnosing confirmed adult sexual abuse involves a combination of medical assessments, psychological evaluations, and thorough interviews with the individual. Healthcare providers look for signs of physical trauma or sexually transmitted infections and assess emotional and mental health symptoms indicative of trauma. Confidential and sensitive communication is essential, ensuring the individual feels safe and supported throughout the process. Documentation of physical findings, detailed history, and psychological assessment help establish the diagnosis and inform subsequent care strategies.

Treatment Protocols: Treatment for adult sexual abuse focuses on addressing both physical and emotional consequences. Common approaches include: - **Medical care:** Treatment of injuries, management of sexually transmitted infections, and preventive measures. - **Psychological support:** Therapy options such as trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), counseling, and support groups to help process the trauma and develop coping strategies. - **Legal and social support:** Assistance with reporting the abuse, navigating legal proceedings, and accessing social services. - **Medication:** In some cases, medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms like anxiety, depression, or PTSD. A multidisciplinary approach, involving healthcare providers, mental health specialists, and legal advocates, is often most effective in supporting recovery and healing.