Prognosis

Sexual abuse is associated with a lifetime diagnosis of anxiety disorders, depression, eating disorders, PTSD, sleep disorders, and attempted suicide.[37]​ All sexually abused children should be carefully followed by a mental health professional for potential complications such as PTSD and depression. Victims of child sexual abuse have an increased risk of engaging in high-risk behaviours such as substance misuse, self-injury, and engaging in sex work.[69]​ Sexually abused female children also have an increased risk of becoming pregnant during adolescence.[70]

Following sexual assault about half of adults recover from the acute psychological effects by 12 weeks, but symptoms persist in many.[71] 

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