Child sexual abuse has been associated with a range of psychopathology and diagnostic categories. Several studies have suggested that many victims are psychologically disturbed both in the short term and the long term: For example, Adams Tucker (1982) studied 28 sexually abused children referred for treatment and found psychopathology in the "moderate to severe" range. These problems were more severe than those of the typical outpatient child at her clinic, but less severe than those of the average inpatient. The Tufts study (1984) found that 17% of the 4 to 6 year olds studied who were sexually abused demonstrated clinically significant pathology. Additionally, Tsai, Feldman Summers, and Edgar (1979) compared adult women seeking therapy for problems associated with child sexual abuse to non-molested controls; they found that the abused women were significantly more disturbed. However, it should be noted that both the Adams Tucker and Tsai et at. samples were selected and therefore may not be representative. Further, there is simply not enough evidence yet to permit firm conclusions to be drawn about the relationship between short and long term psychopathology associated with child sexual abuse.

The range of psychopathology associated with child sexual abuse is typically anchored on one end by "neurosis," with several authors using this term to describe some victims. Authors also believe sexual abuse is associated with the development of character disorders in some victims in the long term. It has also been noted that a history of sexual abuse is relatively common in individuals with multiple personalities. Finally, victims have occasionally been observed to develop psychotic features.

It is unclear how frequently psychopathology results in child victims of sexual abuse; estimates range from about 20% to 50% of victims. However, it appears that gross psychopathology and/or social impairment is the exception rather than the rule as a long term consequence of sexual abuse. Instead, the long-term effects seem more related to sexual functioning, self esteem, and establishment of trusting relationships.

About The Author
David Crawford is the CEO and owner of a Best Penis Enlargement company known as Penis Enlargement Group which is dedicated to researching and comparing penis enlargement products in order to determine which penis enlargement product is safer and more effective than other products on the market. Copyright 2011 David Crawford of Penis Enlargement Products This article may be freely distributed if this resource box stays attached.