A. There are many effects of incest, both physical and emotional, which is why treatment by a qualified specialist is so important. Effects of incest and sexual abuse include:
- Nightmares
- Grief
- Inability to trust
- Attempts at suicide and self-harm
- Isolation and alienation
- Fear of being alone
- Fear of the dark
- Acting out behaviors
- Regression to infantile behavior
- Promiscuity
- Severe weight gain or loss
- Inappropriate sexual behavior
- Lack of clear childhood memories
- Anger
- Guilt
- Self-doubt
- Self-blame
- Chemical abuse
- Depression
- Post traumatic stress disorder
- Difficulty trusting
- Fear of touching and intimacy
- Running away
- STDs
Any time any of these effects manifest themselves, a qualified professional must make an evaluation to see if incest or sexual abuse has occurred, and recommend a course of treatment for the survivor. These effects can be symptoms of other problems, but all are generally severe enough that an evaluation by a professional should be done.