Psychological sequelae in the rape victim

The psychological consequences of rape are described. Many rape victims develop a syndrome that meets the DSM III diagnostic criteria for post‐traumatic stress disorder. The patient's coping mechanisms of dissociation and amnesia are described and the implications for the delayed post‐traumatic stress disorder are discussed. Principles of therapeutic management are delineated with special emphasis on therapeutic abreaction and alleviation of guilt by reframing and restructuring the patient's perception of the rape.