Sexual assault has lasting effects on teenagers ' mental health and education

Teenagers who have been sexually assaulted are at risk of mental health conditions and poor school performance. The increased risk lasted for more than a year. Adolescents are at higher risk of sexual assault than any other age group. This is also the time when mental health problems often start, and when young people take key exams and make decisions about university. However, little is known about the lasting impact of assault on teenagers ' mental health and education. The study found that most teenagers who reported sexual assault had symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety or depression within 6 weeks of the assault. After 1 year, teenagers ' risk had reduced but was still high; more than half had symptoms of at least 1 of these conditions. Among teenagers who reported sexual assault, poor school attendance became more likely over the following year. Poor attendance was twice as likely at 1 year than 6 weeks after the assault. The teenagers said that this was because of mental health problems and difficulty sleeping. Poor school attendance led to worse performance at school, which in turn increased anxiety and sleep problems. The researchers say that schools need more help in supporting pupils who have reported sexual assault. They say that schools need training, and support to implement guidance.
Source: Current Awareness Service for Health (CASH) - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news