Such victims suffer from emotional aftereffects including depression, nightmares, inability to handle anger, intensified feelings of vulnerability and helplessness, and lowered self-esteem. Most persons are able to gradually integrate into their lives the traumatic ideas and feelings provoked by the assault. Some, however, will develop a stress response syndrome that is characterized by phases of intrusive thoughts and images, phases of ideational denial, and emotional numbing. A study of 13 victims in psychotherapy at a special clinic for the treatment of stress response syndromes has shown that brief periods of therapy can be helpful. Since the trauma of the attack highlights and exacerbates previously existing conflicts or maladaptive styles of coping, such therapy, by uncovering maladaptive cognitions and understanding individual responses, can help the victims regain a sense of control and self-esteem, and lead to psychological growth. A summary of events and responses is provided.