Citation

Facuri CO, Fernandes AM, Azevedo RC. Int. J. Gynaecol. Obstet. 2014; 127(1): 60-65.

Affiliation

Department of Medical Psychology and Psychiatry, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Publisher Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.ijgo.2014.04.020

PMID

25035092

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To present the sociodemographic characteristics and psychiatric symptoms of women who have been raped.

METHODS: Between 2006 and 2010, a retrospective study was conducted of 468 women who underwent psychiatric evaluation at a university referral center in Brazil after an experience of sexual violence.

RESULTS: The women had a mean age of 24.1years; were predominantly white, unmarried, childless, and employed; had 9-11years of education; and had a religion. Rape was the first sexual intercourse for 124 (26.8%) of 462 for whom data were available; 53 (13.6%) of 389 had a personal history of sexual violence and 29 (8.0%) of 361 had a family history. No psychiatric symptoms were reported in 146 (32.9%) of 444 women, mild/short-term symptoms were reported in 107 (24.1%), and a psychiatric diagnosis was made for 191 (43.0%). Psychiatric comorbidity was seen in 59 (12.6%) women, and 174 (38.0%) received pharmacologic treatment. All follow-up consultations were attended by 215 (45.9%) of 468 women; 166 (35.5%) attended some, and 87 (18.6%) attended only one during the 6-month follow-up period.

CONCLUSION: The frequency and severity of psychiatric symptoms and mental disorders among women who have been raped highlights the importance of mental health monitoring.

Language: en