EPA-0899 – Systemic Approach in Treatment of Risk Sexual Behaviors in Children and Adolescent with Mental Disorders

Abstract

Risk sexual behaviors (defined and categorized in presented paper) are common in developmental population with devastating consequences especially in clinical subpopulations. The noxious influences of such behaviors is disturb not only somatic and psychological wellbeing but damage personal development, family system, neighborhood/social context and peer relations. The development of sexuality, saturated with dynamic cognitive, emotional and behavioral disorders exposes the child to the risk of the sexual abuse; changes his/her mental activity and behaviors as well as parental and milieu perception of the child. Risk sexual behaviors misunderstood can lead to worsening basic mental cognition, primary affected by mental disorder or intellectual disability. Authors (child and adolescent psychiatrist and psychologist/sexologist) describe their experience in treating young people afflicted with some mental illnesses (Autistic Spectrum Disorders, schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, separation anxiety, depression, Conduct disorder, oppositional-defiant disorder, ADHD, intellectual disability) and revealed risk sexual behaviors.

The key clue, ensure optimal resolution, and recommended is systemic approach based on family and its resources. Psychotherapeutic work with parents aimed on proper understanding of sexuality of young people, natural way of psychosexual development and the meaning of psychopathological signs and symptoms and its interference as well as exploring parental attitudes and patterns of their own sexuality are essential. The role of social context is worth to point out - peer groups, school settings and environmental influences are considered with special emphasis to religious and mass culture surroundings. The inalienable factors of such approach is psychopharmacological treatment, led according to psychiatric standards and individual necessities