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SEXUALLY abused adolescents are four times more likely to think about suicide than non-abused teenagers, a new study shows. They also have twice the level of depression and are more likely to smoke and drink every day and get drunk at least once a month. The study, reported in this month's Australian Family Physician, published by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, shows sexually abused young women have a lower tendency towards suicide than young men. "This seems to imply that young males appear to deal less well with sexual abuse than young females, possibly because of social pressure on males to be strong and masculine, thereby hindering disclosure," the researchers say. Both genders had more concerns about being gay than their non-abused counterparts. The study is by Dr Paul Beckinsale, executive director of the SA and NT Faculty of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, Dr Graham Martin, director of The Southern Child Adolescent and Mental Health Service, and Dr Sheila Clark, of the University of Adelaide's Department of General Practice. The study examined the relationship of sexual abuse, depression and suicidal thinking in 3144 young people who visited a GP in 1997-98. They said estimates of sexual abuse ranged from 7 per cent to 62 per cent of females and from 3 per cent to 19 per cent of males, depending on how sexual abuse was defined. The researchers say there is a perception in the community that sexual abuse does not happen to young men. The doctors say GPs need to be aware of suicidal risk factor and raise it with young patients. "Sexual abuse is a common issue that should always be explored with any young person who presents with depression, suicidal behaviors, drug use or abuse and concerns about their sexuality. "It leads to an underlying and pervasive sense of powerlessness, hopelessness and depression. "Our findings leave little doubt tnat young people who perceive they have been sexually abused are at greater risk of self-harm and suicidal behaviors." Adelaide Advertiser (28-12-1999) Barry Hailstone |
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