Neurological changes in brain structures among individuals with a history of childhood sexual abuse: A review

Objective:

To gain an understanding of associated psychological phenomena among child sexual abuse (CSA) survivors, this article reviewed existing literature focused on neurological changes in brain structure and associated psychological problems among individuals who experienced CSA.

Methodology:

A review of literature examining physiological irregularities in brain structures and subsequent psychological problems of individuals with a history of CSA was conducted.   

Results:

Results revealed a history of CSA was associated with irregularities in the: prefontal cortex, corpus callosum visual cortex, insular cortex, anterior cingulate gyrus, and temporal lobe. These irregularities contribute to various cognitive deficits, internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems, and psychological and physical health outcomes later in life.  The age of CSA onset was associated with different neurological changes in brain structures. 

Conclusion:

Mental and behavioral health problems associated with CSA may persist into adulthood and cause lifelong impairments including anxiety, depression, substance abuse, dissociative disorders, and sexual dysfunction. A lack of research depicting the effects of CSA on neurological outcomes emphasizes the need to examine the biological and subsequent psychological effects of CSA. Early intervention is imperative for CSA survivors. Limitations of current research findings are discussed and the direction of future research, focusing on the consideration of neurological implications of CSA prior to development of targeted interventions.