Thetraumaof being assaulted can lead to fear, anger,guilt, anxiety, and sadness.
The stigma associated with sexual assault may cause embarrassment or shame for some people.
Such symptoms can continue for months or even years without treatment.
MixMike / Getty Images
This article discusses how sexual assault can lead to an increased risk of PTSD.
It also covers the symptoms that people might experience and what they can do to get help.
What Is Sexual Assault?
Sexual assault can include rape, attempted rape, and any form of unwanted sexual touching.
Sexual assault occurs with alarming frequency in the United States.
Additionally, survivors ofchildhood sexual assaulthave an increased likelihood of being assaulted again in adulthood.
What Is PTSD?
PTSD is fairly common among people who have experienced sexual assault.
If you are experiencing symptoms of PTSD, it is important to see a healthcare provider.
Other symptoms such as insomnia, nightmares, fatigue, and headaches may also occur.
Sexual Health
Enjoying sexual contact can be difficult after experiencing sexual trauma.
Someone who has survived a sexual assault may experience low sexual desire and reduced sexual behavior.
Some survivors experience pain, fear, or anxiety with sexual contact.
Shame and guilt stemming from the trauma can also interfere with desire for and satisfaction from sex.
Survivors of childhood sexual assault are likely to have more severe sexual problems.
Penetration during sexual assault will also increase the risk for future sexual problems.
Behavioral Health
There is no single behavioral reaction to sexual assault.
These feelings may subside over time for some people.
Others, however, will continue to experience some form of psychological distress for months or years.
However, for some, these symptoms may linger and even get worse.
Fortunately, there are treatments available that have been found to help.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy has been proven effective in treating symptoms of PTSD following sexual assault.
Mays explains that treatments for trauma can involve either a top-down or bottom-up approach.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is an effective example of this," she says.
A bottom-up approach, such as EMDR, focuses on releasing the trauma a person holds in their body.
Find out which option is the best for you.
Getting treatment for PTSD after a sexual assault is important for long-term recovery.
In addition to therapy, support groups and self-help strategies can be helpful for coping with PTSD symptoms.
Having supportive relationships is important for people who have experienced trauma.
Research has found that poor social relationships can impair PTSD recovery.
People may also experience other effects, including problems with physical, behavioral, and sexual health.
Recovering from sexual assault and PTSD is not something you should give a shot to do alone.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
2021;36(3-4):NP1986-2004NP.
doi:10.1177/0886260518756117
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Preventing sexual violence.
2023;24(1):126. doi:10.1186/s13063-023-07147-w
American Psychological Association.Clinical practice guideline for the treatment of PTSD.
2005;20(4):407-419. doi:10.1080/14681990500249502
