What would be recommended for treatment?
Would it be good for the individual to come out with it, and talk about it in therapy?Dissociative amnesia?
The problem is the individual CAN'T just come out with it and talk about it in therapy - at least, not for a long time. Like amnesia, they literally can't remember it, much less chat about it - no matter how ready they are.
I think they have to talk round it for a long time, until the person's memories come back. Which is problematic, as they could accidently plant ideas or suggestions. Seeing as Dissociative disorders are often co-morbid with a lot of other disorders, especially anxiety, they might try to deal with those first. When it returns, talking about it in therapy is good - in all dissociative disorders, re-intergrating is usually considered the key - they would have to accept this memory.Dissociative amnesia?
Only if one is ready to talk about it in therapy, with such a traumatic experience. Depending on the person and situation, the therapist will decide on the best treatment.Dissociative amnesia?
Hi there Heart Break Hotel,
I hope your psuedonym means something positive. Anyway
my training and education to date in psychological medicine suggests the following along with the other contributors.
If a verified(factual) 'forced' sexual encounter took place towards someone, it should be reported if it was not previously. This suggests an act of violence against someone's deliberate oppositions or protestations and is not tolerated by law. In other words such as aggressive act is a violation of every American citizens' rights under and enshrined by the Constitution of these United States of America. If the person is not a US citizen or resident they should nevertheless report such violation as well to the relevant authorities, e.g Police Station, Church Minister, Hospital Medical Staff etc.
If such a person chooses not to make a formal complaint then they must consider the legal alternatives and the psychological alternatives. For a legal opinion try to find a hot-line number and ask for advice.
Psychologically, talking about the 'perceived' violation and trauma is helpful and important regardless of the extent of one's ability to open up partially or completely. The word perceived is used here because the violated party may not even be sure if she was physically 'coerced' or 'forced'. The legal definition I believe (check this) only requires mental competence on the part of the violated to begin criminal proceedings (initially) against the perpetrator, opening an investigation into the alleged incident. However, until sufficient evidence i.e. 'circumstantial', forensic, medical pathologist (DNA), fibres, hair, analysis conducted, evaluated etc. and a judicial verdict given all potentially offending parties are presumed innocent (based on a preponderance of the evidence).
Step number two. The psychological evalution/mental status exam and eventual diagnosis. Remember the expressed goal of medicine is to : prevent, diagnose and treat (clinical) disorders and illnesses in the process of effectively curing and restoring wellness or health. The conventional approach utilizes pharmacological means whenever deemed necessary to effect a cure and or surgical prcedure. The complimentary and alternative approach offer other modalities many of which have some efficacy in promoting wellness.
The psycholgical speciality or sub-specialities in allopathic or conventional medicine along with meds also encourages psychsocial therapy or a therapy approach where a doctor-client relationship is built over time. An approach which utilizes a mix of types may be referred to in psychological medicine as a 'holistic' approach to wellness. Such approaches may also include, prayer, meditaiton, suggestion therapy, relaxation therapy, physical therapy, nutritional therapy, stress relef and reduction etc.
This all having been said let's get to the point. The 'raped' person suffering 'dissociative amnesia' should see a board certified psychiatrist and brave the possible 'stigma' she may feel. Such a professional person is expected to be completely confidential in dealing with a 'competent' client under the law and all medical records are kept confidential unless consent is sought from the patient to disclose any information to a third party or under 'exceptional' circumstances when the physician may need to seek 'peer' advice, family counsel for the client, legal disclosure or other 'exceptional' situation deemed in the best interest of the clients healing and progress.
Next an early diagnosis is best in order to prevent any further and unnecessary distressing symptoms to the client.
So my advice to you dear is to tell this persons to talk about this situation to someone in confience. It does not have to be a psychitrist, psychologist or other mental health professional e.g. a nurse but she needs to get as much negative emotion(s) feelings, memories, thoughts off her chest as she can and wants to and is free any time to stop contact or converstion, refuse treatment and /or medication if she wants for as long as she wants.
However as you described, having repressed memories, fears, worries, anxieties, impulses with dream content suggests underlying (bottled up) tension or torsion which 'should' be allievated either short-term or over a longer course. Left untreated or undealt with severe psychiatric/psychological disorders and even illness can result, impairing different aspects of normal life, e.g work, family, personal relationships, education and emotional growth and maturity.
The good news is that rape is not a death sentence. Obviously. And in this case any emotional issues can be effectively treated/dealt with and a quick restoration of mental, emotional health and life satisfaction and progress restored. Such cases can realistically be easily and happily cured when effort is made to deal with the problem early and with continuous help even though images only appear to manifest during non-wakeful concsciousness or sleep.
The heart may indeed be 'broken' and in need of being put back together again, even better and stronger than it was before, believe me this is probabable and very possible even if it takes a lifetime, normal emotional wellness can be easily restored.
The key again is to find a good, comfortable/likeable , professional i.e competent therapist. (Ask a family GP, friend or other trusted professional for a reference) to a respected medical specialist in psychiatry and folow-up if you can i.e have sufficient insurance et.. Also follow up what ever other necessary steps you may see necessary e.g a physical examination if not already done which I suspect may not be the case, hense a preliminary diagnosis of 'dissociative amnesia'.
Research all you can about overcoming and being cured/healed of any psychological trauma related to such an event, knowing that this disorder is again easily and effectively treated (the earlier the better) and that (each individual 'will have' unique issues and problems to overcome) incluing some amounts of fear, anger or rage, directed internally and or externally.
Finally as someone who has a christian faith, my advice to anyone who finds or has been in such situation is to look to the Supreme Creator/Divine Being/Personality of Light who created everything good including yourself and ask for healing, forgiveness, divine love, guidance, strength, courage and peace and all kinds of other help financial support etc., believing that he is greater than all and able to work and do things even beyond the ability of normal man or woman or any situation.
It is scientifically, psychiatrically and psychologically verifiable that a positive belief is directly related to successful healing in serious and severe illnesses and disorders including suicide, rape, even cancers and mental illnesses.
Good luck whatever you choose or choose to advise your friend I'm assuming. And God bless and God's speed.
There's always good help available, even in the trauma unit or emergency room.
Barry H
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