Is Amnesia in Women Victims of Sexual Assault A Risk Factor for Developing PTSD Symptoms?

Camiliya J, Jasmine A and Demessence T

Published on: 2023-05-03

Abstract

Objectives: The impact of total or partial amnesia of a sexual assault on the future development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms is not known. Available studies on the subject are contradictory. The aim of this study was to explore the link between amnesia of a sexual assault and observed or reported post-traumatic symptoms with the hypothesis that amnesia is a risk factor for developing PTSD symptoms.

Methods: We analyzed all the medical files of patients over the age of 18 having consulted the emergency department of the Gynecology Division of Geneva University Hospitals after an alleged sexual assault, from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2017. The following data have been collected: partial or total amnesia of the assault, patient’s age, link between victim and perpetrator, delay between alleged assault and consultation, intoxication of the victim during the assault, gynecological lesions, observed or reported PTSD symptoms and psychiatric history.

Results: Among 209 files reviewed, 96 reported total or partial amnesia of the assault (45.9%). In

159 cases (76.1%) the file reported the victim’s intoxication. In 78 (37.3%) files, PTSD symptoms such as intense anxiety, extreme sadness or dissociation were recorded.  Such symptoms were present in 32.3% of the women reporting amnesia and in 41.6% of those who didn’t.

Conclusions: Amnesia was not significantly associated with a higher or lower rate of PTSD symptoms in women consulting the emergency department after being sexually assaulted. Amnesia of the assault was associated with different factors like age, link between victim and offender and victim’s intoxication. Indeed, in our study women reporting amnesia were younger, mostly with an unknown perpetrator and tended to be intoxicated (willingly or not) with drugs or alcohol.