Matthew Schiff

Behavioral Sequelae of Physical and/or Sexual Abuse in Adolescents.

In a survey of 500 admissions to a short-term residential chemical dependency treatment center for adolescents (ages 12 to 18), 150 adolescents (30%) had been identified as victims of physical and/or sexual abuse. While the abused group had a higher incidence of prior social service and mental health intervention, extraordinarily 68% of these abuse cases had not been reported by children, family, or interviewers prior to the adolescents having entered the chemical dependency residential treatment facility. This chemically dependent, previously abused group was differentiated from a comparison group of nonabused, chemically dependent adolescents, and a second comparison group of nonabused, nonchemically dependent adolescents. Results indicated a higher incidence of acting out behavior, runaways, legal involvement and sexual promiscuity within the abused group.

Self-Esteem in Abused Chemically Dependent Adolescents.

In a random sample of 500 admissions to a residential treatment center for chemically dependent adolescents. 150 cases of physical and sexual abuse had been identified. These adolescents were matched for age, race, and socioeconomic status, with two comparison groups: a group of nonabused chemically dependent adolescents and a group of nonabused, nonchemically dependent adolescents. Self-esteem was measured, utilizing the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale (TSCS), which was administered to all subjects. The abused, chemically dependent adolescents were found to demonstrate significantly lower self-esteem on all subscales when analyzed against these two comparison groups. There were negligible differences within the abused group when the TSCS scores were analyzed according to type of abuse. Aggressive/physically abused adolescents scored higher on the Physical Self subscale and the incest group scored significantly lower on the Identity subscales. These results suggest that abuse is equally devastating, regardless of the type of abuse, e.g., physical, sexual, incest, and has a long-lasting impact on self-esteem.

Psychological Distress in Abused, Chemically Dependent Adolescents

ABSTRACT Prior research has identified physical and sexual abuse as prevalent in both adult and adolescent substance use disorder populations. The purpose of this study was to assess whether differences exist in the levels of psychological distress in abused, chemically dependent adolescents when compared to their non-abused counterparts, and to a second comparison group of non-abused, non-chemically dependent adolescents, for the purposes of determining if this might provide a means of differentiating abused adolescents earlier in treatment. Results of the SCL-90-R indicated that abused adolescents demonstrated more severe levels of psychological distress, as well as earlier onset of alcohol and drug use. There were also significant distress profiles that distinguished the abused group from their non-abused counterparts. These findings are discussed with regard to early identification and treatment implications.

The Presentation of Dual Diagnosis in an Adolescent Chemical Dependence Unit

Clinical observation of several hundred admissions to a short-term, residential, adolescent chemical dependency unit reveal a number of dual diagnoses cases. This paper discusses the most often occurring dual diagnoses cases, i.e., chemical dependency coexistent with Attention Deficit Disorder, Affective Disorder, Physical Abuse and Sexual Abuse. Diagnostic and treatment issues are presented and discussed.

The education of the adolescent chemical dependence worker in the field of child abuse

Abstract A review of adolescent chemical dependence weekly case conferences was explored by the programs chief psychologist and consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist, in order to determine areas of knowledge gaps in the certified chemical dependence counselors and trainees toward abused adolescents. These teens were on an adolescent chemical dependence 8‐week inpatient unit. Informational and therapeutic gaps were discovered in areas of abuse and neurological impairment, abuse generational lines, abuse defenses, abuse psychopatholpgy, and abuse law reporting comprehension. These findings are discussed in regard to inservice training needs and clinical supervision issues.

Teaching Prevention to Professionals Who Work with Abusive Chemically Dependent Families

A review of the literature links physical, sexual abuse in chemically dependent adolescents. In many instances, cycles of abuse correspond with cycles of parental mood-altering chemical addictions. The sequelae of physical and sexual abuse within this population are discussed in terms of the presentation of early warning signs to medical, legal, school, child welfare, and mental health professionals. The paper discusses general cogent recommendations regarding abuse prevention based upon early identification factors.