Dissociation and PTSD in women with a history of childhood sexual abuse: a pilot examination of a specialized inpatient unit - Report - MDSpire

Dissociation and PTSD in women with a history of childhood sexual abuse: a pilot examination of a specialized inpatient unit

  • By

  • Lotem Zvi

  • Jonathan E. Handelzalts

  • Danny Horesh

  • Inbal Shlomi

  • July 8, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Exploring Dissociation and PTSD in Women with CSA Histories

Overview

This pilot study investigates the relationship between dissociation and PTSD in women with childhood sexual abuse histories admitted to a specialized inpatient unit. Results indicate significant correlations between dissociative symptoms and PTSD severity.

Background

Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is associated with severe psychological consequences, including PTSD and dissociative disorders. Specialized treatment units for women with CSA histories are limited.

Data Highlights

PhaseParticipantsFindings
Phase 1108Dissociative symptoms correlated with PTSD severity
Phase 228PTSD symptoms decreased post-treatment

Key Findings

  • Dissociative symptoms were positively correlated with overall PTSD severity.
  • The dissociative sub-measure of Absorption showed the strongest associations with PTSD symptoms.
  • PTSD symptoms significantly decreased following treatment in the inpatient program.
  • Reductions in Absorption were linked to improvements in PTSD severity and Hyperarousal symptoms.

Clinical Implications

Dissociation is a significant factor in the treatment of women with CSA histories.

Conclusion

This pilot study highlights the relationship between dissociative symptoms and PTSD in women with CSA histories.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2026 -- Sexual function in women with complex PTSD: a comparative study
  2. BMC Psychiatry, 2025 -- Associations between childhood maltreatment, PTSD and metabolic outcomes in patients with common mental disorders at outpatient clinics in specialized care
  3. JAMA Network Open, 2025 -- Group Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms Among Veterans With Military Sexual Trauma: A
  4. Dissociative Subtype of PTSD - PTSD: National Center for PTSD
  5. Frontiers in Psychiatry — Sex as a moderator of the relationship between childhood trauma and depression in adulthood: an analysis in a clinical sample of adult patients
  6. Treating Dissociation in PTSD: A Meta-Analysis of Psychological Intervention Studies
  7. Changes in Psychological and Relationship Dimensions of Sexuality After Trauma Focused Therapy in Women with Interpersonal Child Abuse Related PTSD
  8. Dissociative Subtype of PTSD - PTSD: National Center for PTSD

Original Source(s)

Dissociation and PTSD in women with a history of childhood sexual abuse: a pilot examination of a specialized inpatient unit

  • by Lotem Zvi, Jonathan E. Handelzalts, Danny Horesh, Inbal Shlomi

  • July 8, 2026

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