NCJ Number
212096
Journal
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 14 Issue: 3 Dated: 2005 Pages: 91-105
Date Published
2005
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This study examined the co-occurrence of DSM-IV mental disorders in women with histories of childhood sexual abuse (CSA).
Abstract
A range of negative mental health outcomes have been associated with a history of CSA, including specific adult mental disorders such as major depression and panic disorder. The comorbid occurrence of more than one mental disorder in adults has also been well established in populations with no history of CSA. The current study extends this research by surveying 90 women with a history of CSA about their abuse experiences and prevalence of DSM-IV mental disorders. Psychiatric disorders were assessed by determining the presence or absence of the disorder and then assessing the level of severity; participants also completed the Child Sexual Abuse and Assault Survey. Participants were assigned to one of three cluster groups based on similar psychiatric patterns. Results of statistical analyses indicated that mental disorders in women with histories of CSA were common and often led to multiple comorbidities. The variables of childhood family environment and CSA during preschool years emerged as important predictors of cluster membership. Future research should attempt to replicate these findings with larger samples. Tables, references