Prognosis

Sexual abuse is associated with a lifetime diagnosis of anxiety disorders, depression, eating disorders, PTSD, sleep disorders, and attempted suicide.[36]​ 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 behaviors such as substance misuse, self-injury, and engaging in sex work.[71]​ Sexually abused female children also have an increased risk of becoming pregnant during adolescence.[72]

Following sexual assault, about half of adults recover from the acute psychological effects by 12 weeks, but symptoms persist in many.[73] 

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