Two cases are described of childhood obsessional states in which
the content of the symptomatology led parents and professionals to
suspect child sexual abuse. Following assessment it was felt, on the
balance of probabilities, unlikely that child sexual abuse had
occurred in either case. Both children had previously engaged in "sex
play" with peers. Maternal attitudes to sexuality were felt to have
influenced their daughters' views about sexual behaviour and to have
contributed to the children's guilt feelings. Response to appropriate
treatment was rapid and has been sustained in the short-term. The
importance of avoiding lengthy and possibly damaging assessment
procedures in such cases is discussed.