Early & Long-Term Effects of Child Abuse

Three million cases of child abuse were reported in 2007 in the United States, according to the Child Help website. Child abuse is not always obvious. Sexual abuse and emotional abuse don't show themselves in the form of bruises and marks on the body. Abuse affects a child's behavior and physical and psychological health. The consequences of abuse occur in the moment and can last a lifetime.

Bruises and Behavioral Changes

• The immediate physical effects of child abuse range from bruising, cuts and marks on the body to death. Babies who are shaken vigorously can die from shaken baby syndrome. Children that are beaten may have minor cuts and bruises or broken bones that eventually heal and go away, but the mental damage has lifelong effects. An abused child may instantly display changed behavior. He might have a fear of adults and be withdrawn and anti-social. Problems concentrating may result in bad grades and suffering school work. Sexually abused children may have nightmares and start bed wetting. They might also show changes in appetite.

Self-destructive Behavior

• Adolescents that experienced abuse in their younger years might start displaying self-destructive, risk-taking behavior. They might have unprotected sexual intercourse and experiment with alcohol and illegal drugs. Delinquent behavior may result in problems in school and with the law. According to the Child Welfare website, juveniles and adults that were abused during childhood are more likely to be arrested for criminal behavior. Other self-destructive behavior that can result from abuse include eating disorders, cutting and suicidal tendencies.

Long-Term Disorders

• In the long run, child abuse can affect you psychologically and emotionally. As an adult, you might suffer from anxiety, depression, eating disorders and suicide attempts, some of which you may have coped with since childhood. You may experience panic attacks and suffer from anger management problems. Other disorders you may have to deal with as an adult, include dissociative disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder and attention-deficit disorder.

Continuing Effects

• The effects of childhood abuse can continue to be a problem during adulthood. Promiscuous behavior as an adolescent can lead to sexually transmitted diseases. Alcohol and drug abuse in your younger years can continue or repeat itself when you are an adult. Eating disorders can cause irreparable damage and lead to weight problems during adulthood if not treated. Depression can also follow you into adulthood and trigger a whole new set of problems.