Sexual abuse associated with increased diagnosis of psychiatric disorders

January 01, 0001

Sexual abuse associated with increased diagnosis of psychiatric disorders

The aim of this study by researchers from the US was to systematically assess the evidence for an association between sexual abuse and a lifetime diagnosis of psychiatric disorders. The researchers performed a comprehensive search. Six independent reviewers extracted descriptive, quality, and outcome data from eligible longitudinal studies. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled across studies by using the random-effects model. The I2 statistic was used to assess heterogeneity. The search yielded 37 eligible studies, 17 case-control and 20 cohort, with 3,162,318 participants.

There was a statistically significant association between sexual abuse and a lifetime diagnosis of anxiety disorder (OR, 3.09), depression (OR, 2.66), eating disorders (OR, 2.72), posttraumatic stress disorder (OR, 2.34), sleep disorders (OR, 16.17), and suicide attempts (OR, 4.14). Associations persisted regardless of the victim's sex or the age at which abuse occurred. There was no statistically significant association between sexual abuse and a diagnosis of schizophrenia or somatoform disorders. No longitudinal studies that assessed bipolar disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder were found. Associations between sexual abuse and depression, eating disorders, and posttraumatic stress disorder were strengthened by a history of rape.

The researchers concluded: "A history of sexual abuse is associated with an increased risk of a lifetime diagnosis of multiple psychiatric disorders."

Strong associations.

For the full abstract, click here.

Mayo Clinic Proceedings 85(7):618-629, July 2010 © 2010 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
Sexual Abuse and Lifetime Diagnosis of Psychiatric Disorders: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Laura P. Chen, M. Hassan Murad, Molly L. Paras, BS et al. Correspondence to Ali Zirakzadeh: [email protected]

Category: P. Psychological. Keywords: sexual, abuse, diagnosis, psychiatric, disorders, systematic review and meta-analysis, journal watch.
Synopsis edited by Dr Stephen Wilkinson, Melbourne, Australia. Posted on Global Family Doctor 30 July 2010

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