What are later effects of childhood sexual abuse???

I was sexually abused when I was about 3-5 years old. While it was a traumatic and serious event, I haven't been able to root it to many of my problems. I have problems with compulsive lying and trycilliomania (sp?) - aka pulling out hair - and I clearly have self-esteem issues, etc. But I can't connect the dot between the sexual abuse and my current condition. I feel like I've acknowledged it to the whole world and I've studied every detail and am not ashamed it happened or blame myself. So do my problems have another root or is there still more work to be done? HELP!

The compulsive lying is a self preservation technique, but not healthy to you or those around you. No one is goin gto punish you anymore. Many children are taught to lie, or should I say not tell the truth about what is happening. They don't want to be punished and the perps threaten them like this.

the trich is an impulse control disorder. Tho many connect it to ocd. There is a forum for it here , you might find the answers to that one there.

Being molested causes alot of mental, emotional harm. We feel different, in need of punishment, dirty, ashamed, you name it. we each deal with it differently. Mine manifested as bpd. Others DID.

You might do a psychological eval thru a psychologist, to see if you have a dx.

I'm so sorry this has happened to you.

I don't know if this helps....I was abused as a child, and it caused Post traumatic Stress Disorder which eventually advanced into Bipolar Disorder, aka manic depression. Check different websites of mental disorders to see if perhaps you're symptoms parallel those mentioned in different sites.

Remember though, effects from abuse can present itself in several ways, and might not be a specific disorder at all. Every case is different. But speaking to a psych might help you. I never thought someone who had never been abused could realte to my situation but after being diagnosed, and after meeting with Drs I feel a lot better, and have learned a lot about where my BPD comes from. Think about it!

I'm very sorry that you had to go through that horrible experience. But it is said that 60% of people who smoke usually do it for depression and stressful situation. About your smoking, i can relate. Smoking sadly is very dangerous but it also relaxes everyone who is under stressful situation and may become dependent and compulsive.

I have always seen the people that are usually molested as incredibly strong human beings. I admire those who went through that situation and are still alive today. Honestly, it takes a great deal of bravery and strong will to be here today and share those thoughts and confussions of one's past.

I know, that being molested is the number one, dangerous, traumatic experience of child abuse. My cousin was molested by her father, and i have known more people who have, they tend to be stronger than most people emotionally. It's sad to say it, but i believe you have a great deal of strength. If you are unsure about what is trully bothering you, perhaps you should think about hypnosis?

I believe that alot of patients, and people with childhood trauma or any disorder have a better chance into being hypnotize. To see where the root of the problems or unconcious trauma is, i know its very costy and also depends on the insurance. But Hypnosis is one of the best ways of unlocking subconcious painful memories.

I wish you luck, and hope this helps,

-Anonymous20

I don't think i have any kind of disorder to say. Maybe i got off lucky. I Know when the abuse happened i went into dissoiatetive states but i no longer go into dissoiative states when stressful, harmful or hurtful things happen to me. I did have self-esteem issues for the longest times, i had body image issues to, i did not feel attractive, boys scared me but i was still extremly boy crazy. Yet i did not feel that i deserved to be loved or even wanted. I thought i was tainted, that still is my favorite expression. I felt i was somehow to blame, even though i was only three years old when it started. I also have a very addictive/needy personality if i get into a fight or anything with my boyfriend i get so upset because i feel that i really need him to make my life complete. I also have semi- jelously issues, but i have gotten 100% better concering this. i actually trust him now. Partly this is because i am a loner, i find it hard to make new friends resulting on me become even more dependant on him. Or to just pop a dvd into the dvd player and sit on the couch with my kitties instead of being around ppl. However i would not say i am unsocial. I am fairly outgoing and seem to get along well with others. i just have problems making solid bonds with them.

On another note, i find myself to be extremly protective of children and really want to work with them, so i can make sure nothing bad happens to them and to be there for them, help them if something does. I want to give them the support i did not have when i was a child. infact I used to want to be a psychologist but iam um not smart enough to do that.
anyway i hope i helped and i am sorry that you had to go through this horriable experince as well.