Adult survivors of sexual abuse

Abstract

Adult survivors of child sexual abuse suffer a range of physical, psychological, and interpersonal aftereffects. These patients are increasingly evident in health care settings where they seek medical or psychological treatment for symptoms related to the abuse. The recognition of an abuse history as the traumatic antecedent is critical in differential diagnosis, treatment, and management. This paper reviews the aftereffects of child sexual abuse and provides recommendations to the primary care professional about identifying and treating adult survivors in their practices.