The Lasting Mental Health Impacts of Childhood Sexual Trauma

Being sexually abused as a child is one of the most horrific experiences a human can be forced to endure. Yet this heinous act is far too common, and it often occurs in the home. Research in the Journal of Adolescent Health shows that among children under the age of 18, 1 in 9 girls and 1 in 53 boys will experience sexual abuse or sexual assault. And 75% of adolescents who have been sexually assaulted were victimized by someone they knew well, according to a 2003 National Institute of Justice report. Sadly, the emotional pain of childhood sexual trauma lasts long after the abuse has ended and can have a negative impact on mental health, brain health, and cognitive function. Sadly, the emotional pain of childhood sexual trauma lasts long after the abuse has ended and can have a negative impact on mental health, brain health, and cognitive function.

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Childhood Sexual Abuse and Mental Health

Suffering from sexual abuse has a detrimental effect on a person’s mental health throughout their lifetime. According to findings in the Journal of Psychology, 20%-40% of people with psychiatric disorders have a history of childhood sexual trauma. Experiencing sexual abuse during childhood is associated with a wide range of mental health disorders in adulthood, including:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Eating disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Panic disorder
• Substance abuse
• Schizophrenia
• Dissociative identity disorder
• Antisocial personality disorder
• Sleep disorders
• Self-harm
• Suicidal behavior

  20%-40% of people with psychiatric disorders have a history of childhood sexual trauma.

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Childhood Sexual Trauma and Brain Health

Not only does childhood sexual abuse take a toll on mental health, but it also impacts brain health and cognitive function. A 2017 study in Industrial Psychiatry Journal found that childhood sexual trauma is associated with negative changes in the structure and volume of brain regions, including the prefrontal cortex, superior temporal gyrus, corpus callosum, parietal lobes, hippocampus, and cerebellum. Two of these brain regions are particularly troubling:

• Prefrontal cortex (PFC): This region of the brain is the last to reach full maturation and continues to develop throughout adolescence and young adulthood. This area is involved in planning, attention, executive function, organization, and impulse control. It also plays an important role in keeping other areas of the brain in check, such as the amygdala (fear centers) and limbic system (emotional centers). The changes in the PFC seen in sexual trauma survivors may open the gateway to hypervigilance, paranoia, attention problems, and poorer academic performance.
• Hippocampus: Problems in the hippocampus, which is involved in mood and memory, can also have a major impact on quality of life. Issues with depression as well as memory problems can occur. Interestingly, brain imaging studies on childhood abuse survivors show more abnormalities in the hippocampus in adults compared with children. Research on the neurobiological toll of child abuse and neglect suggests that changes to the hippocampus due to childhood abuse may be gradual and don’t appear until adolescence or adulthood.

This same 2017 study mentioned earlier found decreases in cognitive function and memory in those who suffered childhood abuse. In addition, abnormalities in the functioning of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin (a feel-good neurochemical), as well as abnormal hormonal responses have been noted in abuse victims.

Early Intervention and Treatment Can Help

One of the most promising findings in the research is that intervention and therapies can help. Early reporting of sexual abuse and early intervention can be effective in warding off structural changes in the brain and psychological issues. But it’s critical to know that it is never too late to seek treatment for abuse that occurred during childhood. At Amen Clinics, thousands of patients who were sexually assaulted have improved their brain health, cognitive function, and mental well-being with targeted treatment. Our brain imaging work shows that you can change your brain and change your life… for the better. Depression, anxiety, memory problems, and other issues related to childhood sexual trauma can’t wait. During these uncertain times, your mental well-being is more important than ever and waiting until life gets back to “normal” is likely to make your symptoms worsen over time. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for adults, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.