The aim of this literature review was to examine
the relationship between individuals who experienced childhood abuse and the
likelihood of developing a mental health disorder later in life. By analyzing
an assortment of peer-reviewed journal articles and studies that geared towards
the effects of childhood maltreatment, it uncovered how there is a correlation
with long-term mental health disorders emerging in individuals who fell victim
to childhood abuse. Key findings entail how childhood sexual, physical,
psychological, and emotional abuse are linked to an increased likelihood of
developing disorders such as phobias, OCD, anxiety, depression, eating
disorders, PTSD, and more. It was also observed how there were physical health
symptoms interconnected with the mental being of the individual including
cardiovascular disease, asthma, chronic pain, systemic lupus erythematosus, and
others. Another main finding was the kinds of treatment options for people
suffering due to the abuse. Successful
treatment options were trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy,
interpersonal therapy, brief eclectic psychotherapy, eye movement
desensitization, and self-compassion therapy, but there is no specific evidence
that informs which interventions are the better choice.
