Past Issues
Childhood Sexual Abuse and Suicidal Behavior
Galen Chin-Lun Hung, M.D.1, Ming-Chi Huang, M.D.1,2, Susan Shur-Fen Gau, M.D., Ph. D.3, Ying-Yeh Chen, M.D., Sc. D.1,4
Objective: childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is an important mental health issue
with pervasive and sustaining impact. Method: we did a comprehensive review
over 29 recently-published literatures. Results: increased suicidal risk has been
reported among CSA individuals and there exists a graded relationship between
the CSA severity and suicidal risk. This relationship is independent of the confounding
effect of other coexisting childhood adversities. Possible mediators,
which facilitate the development of suicidal behavior, may include psychopathology
and stressful life events. Conclusion: early recognition of CSA and prompt
management of related psychosocial diffi culties may help reduce subsequent suicidal
risk in this specifi c population.
with pervasive and sustaining impact. Method: we did a comprehensive review
over 29 recently-published literatures. Results: increased suicidal risk has been
reported among CSA individuals and there exists a graded relationship between
the CSA severity and suicidal risk. This relationship is independent of the confounding
effect of other coexisting childhood adversities. Possible mediators,
which facilitate the development of suicidal behavior, may include psychopathology
and stressful life events. Conclusion: early recognition of CSA and prompt
management of related psychosocial diffi culties may help reduce subsequent suicidal
risk in this specifi c population.
| Key Word | childhood sexual abuse, suicide, psychopathology, life event |
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