Health consequences of childhood sexual abuse.
OBJECTIVE
This article provides a summary for advocacy, court testimony, assessment, treatment, prevention, and further research studies in the field of childhood sexual abuse.


RESULTS
A literature review identifies the psychiatric, social, and disease disorders to which this population is predisposed. Adult survivors experience more depression, obesity, autoimmune disorders (irritable bowel syndrome, asthma, fibromyalgia), eating disorders, and addictions.


CONCLUSIONS
A holistic perspective allows understanding of health consequences for survivors. A model through which to consider these phenomena is presented.


CONCLUSIONS
The long-term consequences of childhood sexual abuse must be assessed and addressed by healthcare professionals.
Wilson
Debra Rose
DR
Middle Tennessee State University School of Nursing, USA. Debrarosewilson@comcast.net
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002650:Child Abuse, Sexual / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D018939:Holistic Nursing; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019222:Mind-Body Relations, Metaphysical; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D011602:Psychophysiologic Disorders / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology; D055815:Young Adult