If a child is molested at an early age, let's say 7 years old, and he or she represses the memory, what types of symptoms would this person exhibit upon reaching adulthood, if all other aspects of his or her life remain constant and "normal" (for example, happy home life, good education, decent socioeconomic status)?
Could or would the symptoms include depression, anxiety, OCD, codependency, sexual dysfunction, and a tendency towards abusive relationships?
2006-10-01 05:03:43 · 13 answers · asked by mynx326 4 in Health ➔ Mental Health
There is also an issue of addiction in this *ahem* hypothetical situation.
And, I am in therapy, have been for six years.
2006-10-01 05:17:26 · update #1
Post traumatic stress syndrome, depression, hysterical amnesia, anxiety disorders, outbursts of anger, feelings of worthlessness, and hopelessness. These may be together, or in combinations. The person will have trouble in relations, have a tendancy to sabotage themselves in life, and feel like failures. These can all be overcome, but the experience should not be explored unless the person feels strong enough to remember the incident. I suffer from most of the above symptoms. I hope this helps.
2006-10-01 05:08:15 · answer #1 · answered by Darqblade 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes,very much so. Especially the codependancy, anxiety, and tendency towards abusive relationships. They may be a victim or give alot to people, and not get the same respect back to them. They will also suffer from sexual dysfunction. If this has happened then a counselor is needed to find healthy boundaries between your self esteem and the needs of others. You can overcome this! I was raped a few years ago and suffer the exact list that you have described because I tried repressing the experience and never came to terms with it. The great news is that once I felt the need to start asking questions like yours, I got help and discovered a whole life of happiness is there for me. Your problems are not permanent and you can still lead a fulfilling, life of contentment. My life was also 'normal' in every aspect except the rape, and I had experienced these problems.
2006-10-01 12:10:32 · answer #2 · answered by blueberry-yum-yum! 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All of the above. They are all symptoms. I was the same as that little girl and developed a drug addiction, had an abusive relationship and countless other problems growing up. I am now 25 and have an amazing life with a partner I love. I'm lucky to have gone through that hell so I can appreciate life so much more now. I had no counselling since the drugs and that but turned out fine. As a 13 year old my mother sent me to counselling and the councellor had no idea about the abuse, so sometimes it can go without gettin picked up until later on. You would have had to have a very keen eye to pick up on signs when it happened. In retrospect I'm sure they were there. i think i was 15 before things went wrong.
2006-10-01 12:10:27 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Each individual dealing with the situation differently. If the child grows up in a happy home and the abuser is not the parents or anyone close to the family then the memories may come back as a back flash then gone. But if the child is now grown up and remembered things if the past and the abuser still show up in his/her face everyday then that is a serious problem. He/she may have no choice but depress it then it create to more problem in life. In this case he/she has to weight the situation and decide whether to let it goes or confront the abuser. He/she has to be strong and needs lot of support to go through it either way. Personally, i think counseling first, then decide from there. Good luck.
2006-10-01 12:12:08 · answer #4 · answered by TheOne 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
depends how does the child deal with the traumatic events, memories. Also the nature of the molestation and how deep scar does it leave on soul. The mentality of each individual deal with things differently. What would lead to mental breakdown and inability to cope for somebody, the other may pass with no serious harm. But the answer to your question is yes, shocking events that person can remember or are present in his subconcience may assist in developing a disorder. If you speak about particular person , I'd recommend the following - visit child phychiatrist/therapist all alone, and discuss whether to open the subject with the kid or not. If required, have the child examined by this professional, and eventually, if it will be beneficiary, he may go through theraphy. Skilled therapist can do miracles with people's mind.
2006-10-01 12:24:38 · answer #5 · answered by maros612 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The symptoms could include all that you listed or it could remain repressed and a person could never have problems with it.
The person needs to seek out professional help if they fear there are problems. Professionals can help you figure out what happen and help you deal with it.
Good Luck.
2006-10-01 12:09:23 · answer #6 · answered by Kat 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All of the above can apply. For a female especially: abusive relationships are most common, also a distorted sense of how one should act sexually as well ( for example inappropriate sexual behaior).
2006-10-01 12:24:10 · answer #7 · answered by Nena 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would thank it would be all the above that you said. I know that it would be very hard to trust anybody again. So that would effect everything and everybody that is involved with you and your life style
2006-10-01 12:10:45 · answer #8 · answered by Betty L 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Based on what I've been told, I think you should seek the help of a psychologist for counseling.
2006-10-01 12:09:48 · answer #9 · answered by nitemedic9 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes to all of them. I'm kinda going through the same thing at my house.
2006-10-01 12:10:24 · answer #10 · answered by shell7024 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋