MTS and Its Treatment

¶ … Treatment of Sexual Dysfunction in Military Men who are Survivors of Sexual Abuse The therapeutic definition of sexual abuse is based on varied parameters. For a therapist, the perception of a patient that they were abused sexually is the basis of the definition. The person has to recognize the act as an abusive act and so give it that label. The definition is relationship- specific (Binik & Hall, 2014).

Women that endorse this label tend to have been through more invasive and chronic sexual behaviors and tend to function less sexually than other people who approve of definitions that are activity-specific (Rellini & Meston, 2007). MST -- Military Sexual Trauma -- may be a sexual violence act against one military member by another or the response of a survivor psychologically to sexual violence. The United States U.S.) Department of Defense (DOD) does not officially recognize the term MST. However, the U.S.

Department of Veteran Affairs notes that MST is sexual assault or sexual harassment repeatedly meted on the veteran during his or her time as a military officer (Sexual Violence in the Military, 2013). MST encompasses any instance where a person was involved in a sexual activity against their will. This can happen when one is pressured into such activities, or one is not capable of consenting to them, or is physically forced to take part.

Other acts that can be included here include sexual grabbing or touching, making remarks about another person's body that are offensive, or making unwelcome sexual advances (Sexual Violence in the Military, 2013). Provide a thorough account of etiology of the disorder An understanding of the number of people affected by MST can guide decision making on the best way of designing and implementing policies, programs and interventions. Good resource allocation is largely dependent on the information gained through research on sexual assault epidemiology.

Nonetheless, the counts of sexual assault are probably going to be inaccurate for several reasons, including: lack of clear definition of sexual assault, criteria and methodology for screening, and the reluctance to make reports on the populations affected (Farris, Schell & Tanielian, 2013). While there are social norms in normal society, such norms may be magnified in the military.

Behavioral definitions such as selfless duty, loyalty, courage, teamwork, discipline, integrity, and honor are paid more attention to in the military than they are paid attention to in the outside world (DTFSAMS 2009, p.6). Sticking to these standards may assist to alleviate sexual violence. However, unclear messages in the areas of sexual violence during the training of the military officers lower the ability of the service to promote a culture that does not condone inappropriate sexual behavior or sexual violence (DTFSAMS, 2009, P.7).

The military emphasis on unit cohesion as well as hierarchical structure may be a deterrent to the abused seeking assistance (DTFSAMS, 2009). Because MST is not a diagnosis, but represents a stressor, VHA treatment efforts are focused on detection as well as access to care. Veterans reporting MST are treated based on their individual diagnosis or symptoms. Just as is the case with other traumatic stressors, MST could contribute to mental disorders or PTSD.

Because of self blame and social stigma, individuals, whether inside or outside the military, seldom disclose that they have been sexually abused unless they have been expressly asked to do so. Provide Information on the onset/course of the disorder In 2012, as many as 22, 792 service members were involved in attempted (unwanted) sexual activities (DMDC, 2013). Most of the assaults took place in military installations during work hours. Most of the assaults were perpetrated by coworkers, higher ranking individuals (for women) or for men a person of the same rank (DMDC, 2013).

Moreover, findings reveal that offenders made use of physical force and threats to taint reputation or to cause physical harm. Further, offenders always stalked and sexually harassed men and women before they carried out the act (Sexual Violence in the Military, 2013). Primary care providers may be troubled on the best way of responding the disclosure of an MST patient. Fortunately, there are reliable concrete steps that can be followed by the clinician so that the process goes on smoothly.

The topic is often a sensitive one but with repeated exposure, medics can always become comfortable talking about it and reward themselves with the knowledge that they are being of assistance to patients (Roswell, 2004). A number of the principles that guide sexual dysfunction treatment in the military for men who have been abused are: Respect: The medic should be respectful and not judge or shame the veteran. Empathy: This is about being able to experience and understand another person's emotional state.

This can be done simply by acknowledging the feelings of the patient before proceeding (Roswell, 2004). Support: The sexually abused may have problems with interpersonal relationships. Taboos exist around the subject of sexual trauma and the victim may be isolated. These people can end up not having the needed social support network. Patient perceptions and preferences: there are variations in the perceptions of patients concerning whether or not they are being affected emotionally and physically by a MST history. These also affect the kind of help they should seek.

Educate: Sharing with the patient information on MST tells him that the clinician takes the matter seriously and cares about it (Roswell, 2004). Provide a thorough explanation Studies doing investigations on sexual assault prevalence in the military using samples of veterans have consistently found high rates among men and women. There are variations to the statistics, however, this is because of different samples, characteristics of the samples, mode of selection, and also variations in questions asked. The prevalence rates of harassment experiences and sexual assault are part of the questions asked.

Sexual Experiences Questionnaire -- Department of Defense (SEQ-DOD) is one survey that is reliable and can help in such a study. Suris and Lind (2008) give an extensive review of the different survey instruments made use of in MST and Veteran studies. Prevalence of mental health issues and MST tend to be higher among the sample seeking treatment than in the epidemiological samples (Hyun, Pavao & Kimerling, 2009). Veterans that have experienced MST have a higher risk for certain mental and medical conditions.

The link between PTSD and MST in both women and men is consistently covered in literature. There is need though for more research in the areas of possible gender differences, particularly those on treatment needs and comorbidity. Finally, having a better understanding of the synergistic effects of.