SEXUAL ABUSE AND SELF-ESTEEM IN ATTENTION DEFICIT/HYPERACTIVE CHILDREN WITH INTERNALIZING AND EXTERNALIZING BEHAVIORS

Abstract

Introduction: ADHD and CSV are associated with long-lasting negative neuropsychiatric consequences and low SE. Objective: assessing SE level in relation to psychopathology, SVE, and ADHD characteristics and investigating the relationship between SVE and comorbid psychopathology in ADHD. Subjects and Methods: 186 ADHD children with internalizing and/or externalizing psychopathology of both sexes with age 8-14 years underwent physical health assessment, psychiatric assessment, psychometric assessment in the form IQ testing, ADHD rating, behavioral and emotional assessment, SE assessment and SVE screening and compared to 186 matching pure ADHD controls. Results: ADHD children with internalizing and/or externalizing psychopathology showed statistically significant lower total and domain specific CSEI scores and higher frequency of SVE than pure ADHD children. Internalization psychopathology was related to worse CSEI scores and more SVE. Some sociodemographic and ADHD characteristics were associated with lower CSEI scores. Conclusion: Low SE is associated with internalization and/or externalization psychopathology and SVE. The worst affection is related to SVE and comorbid Internalization.