The Forensic Nurse

Commonly referred to as a form of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD, Rape Trauma Syndrome is a mental health disorder that  can affect persons who have undergone a severely traumatic event such as rape, kidnapping, or domestic assault.

Some common symptoms of PTSD and Rape Trauma Syndrome are:  

• recurrent memories or flashbacks of the incident
• nightmares
• insomnia
• mood swings
• difficulty concentrating
• panic attacks
• emotional numbness
• depression
• anxiety

Persons who have been sexually assaulted have also been noted to have increased risk for developing other mental health problems. Over those who have not been victimized, rape victims are:

• three times more likely to have a major depressive episode
• four times more likely to have contemplated suicide
• thirteen times more likely to develop alcohol dependency problems
• twenty-six times more likely to develop drug abuse problems