Does a History of Sexual Abuse in Childhood Play a Role in Women's Medical Problems? A Review

Abstract

Purpose: To examine possible relations between childhood sexual abuse and women's medical problems. Data sources: Potential articles were retrieved by searching Medline and Psychlit databases using keywords which included incest, sexual abuse and assault, pain, alcohol and substance abuse, eating disorders, anorexia, bulimia, and obesity. Additional references were identified from bibliographies of these articles, from textbooks on child sexual abuse, and by experts in these fields. Study selection: Only those case series, case-control studies, and population-based surveys that were published in peer-reviewed journals were included. Results: Although available literature is sparse and many studies lack methodologic rigor, data suggest that a history of sexual abuse in childhood is common in women with a history of chronic pain (especially pelvic pain), functional bowel disorders, eating disorders, obesity, and alcohol abuse. Conclusions: Given the high prevalence of sexual abuse of girls and its possible relation to common medical problems often refractory to treatment, further research is needed both to substantiate associations and to guide therapies.