Abstract
SummaryBackgroundThis investigation intended to assess the use of an outpatient clinic providing low-threshold, short-term trauma therapy for children and adolescents across the first 6 years of its existence.MethodsA retrospective analysis of the records of all patients undergoing treatment in this institution between 2001 and 2007 (n = 2510) has been performed. We evaluated demographic data, reason for contacting the unit, the referring person or institution, the person or institution in charge of the care and custody of the child, the number of contacts with the clinic, presence of physical or psychiatric illness of a parent, and medications prescribed.ResultsAges of patients ranged from 1 to 17. Gender distribution was even. Having experienced the death of a relative, experienced violence, or having witnessed traumatic death were the main reasons for presentation. The utilization rates of immigrants rose throughout the observation period. Children from foster care were seen less frequently than expected. Medication was hardly prescribed.ConclusionsAmple utilization of this institution clearly demonstrates the need for short-term acute outpatient trauma therapy for children and adolescents. Efforts to provide easily accessible institutions for youth who experience traumatic events should be stepped up.
Highlights
Psychiatric trauma is defined as an experience that is emotionally painful, distressful, or shocking and which may result in lasting mental and physical deficits
Ample utilization of this institution clearly demonstrates the need for short-term acute outpatient trauma therapy for children and adolescents
Given the large number of traumatized youth and the need for early intervention within this population, the current study examined the utilization of an outpatient clinic in Vienna, Austria, called “Die Boje” (“The Buoy”; http://www.die-boje.at/), which provides crisis intervention and short-term psychotherapy for children and adolescents who have experienced traumatic events
Summary
Psychiatric trauma is defined as an experience that is emotionally painful, distressful, or shocking and which may result in lasting mental and physical deficits. Different kinds of psychiatric trauma include physical, emotional or sexual abuse, experience of loss, neglect, war, terrorism, natural disasters, and violence within families, communities, or schools. The experience of trauma during childhood is a common occurrence. Millions of children in Europe and the USA encounter traumatic events every year [1,2,3]. That 9–22 % of all girls and 5–15 % of all boys will, at some time during childhood and adolescence, experience sexual assault or sexual harassment it has to be assumed that around 160,00 girls and 80,000 will be victims of sexual abuse. One fifth of Austrian adolescents seem to be affected by mental health problems [6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
