This study describes the reactions of children and adolescents to
physical and/or sexual abuse, suggesting two distinct symptom
pictures. Findings indicate that a majority (55%) of this clinical
population develop symptoms characteristic of post-traumatic stress
disorder, whereas abused children and adolescents who do not develop
associated post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms exhibit more
anxiety, depression, externalizing behaviors, and more problems
overall. Significant differences were also found between children and
adolescents reacting to single event abuse who display more behavior
disorders and victims of ongoing abuse who appear significantly more
disturbed, with symptoms ranging from depression to psychosis.