Citation

Porcerelli JH, West PA, Binienda J, Cogan R. J. Am. Board Fam. Med. 2006; 19(2): 201-204.

Affiliation

Department of Family Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48235, USA. jporcer@med.wayne.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, American Board of Family Medicine)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

16513910

Abstract

BACKGROUND: This brief report compares emotionally abused and non-abused female family practice patients on physical and emotional symptoms, alcohol use problems, and social support problems. METHODS: We conducted a secondary analysis of data from a cross-sectional, multicenter study of victimization of family practice patients. Forty-seven adult women meeting criteria for emotional abuse (within the past year) and no physical abuse were matched demographically with 47 non-abused women. Each woman completed demographic and health history questionnaires, including questions about physical and emotional abuse. RESULTS: Emotionally abused women reported a greater number of physical (P < .001) and psychological (P < .0001) symptoms than non-abused controls. Emotionally abused women reported a significantly greater number of social support problems than non-abused women (P < .04). CONCLUSIONS: This study supports a growing literature that demonstrates an association between emotional abuse and physical and emotional symptoms in women who are currently suffering emotional abuse at the hands of their partner or ex-partner. It is recommended that physicians inquire about emotional abuse in female patients with multiple psychosocial and physical symptoms.

Language: en