Child sexual abuse I: psychopathology.
OBJECTIVE
To review scientific literature concerning the prevalence, childhood outcome and adult outcome of child sexual abuse, and the hypothetical models that have been postulated to explain its psychopathology.


METHODS
Selective critical review of literature.


RESULTS
Estimates of prevalence of sexual abuse suggest that a significant number of children of both sexes are affected. Research into the psychopathology of sexual abuse is hindered by methodological problems. However, sexual abuse has been associated with a number of psychiatric disorders and maladaptive lifestyles in childhood and adulthood. Several theoretical models of the psychopathology of child sexual abuse are examined and compared.


CONCLUSIONS
A transactional model is the most comprehensive and encompassing.
Nurcombe
B
B
Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, The University of Queensland, Mental Health Centre, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Herston, Australia. bnurcombe@psychiatry.uq.edu.au
D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002650:Child Abuse, Sexual / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D011599:Psychopathology