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Mental disorders in battered women: an empirical study
1Psychological Associates, Delavan, Wisconsin.
Violence and Victims
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Mental health disorders are highly prevalent in battered women. This study found high rates of major depression, PTSD, and anxiety disorders among women experiencing domestic violence.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Battered women often experience significant mental health challenges.
- Previous research has called for improved methodologies to study the psychological impact of domestic violence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the prevalence of mental disorders in a sample of battered women.
- To apply a structured diagnostic interview for accurate assessment.
Main Methods:
- A structured interview, the Diagnostic Interview Schedule (DIS), was administered to 62 battered women.
- Diagnoses were based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (3rd ed.) criteria.
- A computer program with decision rules was used for scoring.
Main Results:
- High prevalence rates were observed for psychosexual dysfunction, major depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
- These findings align with the components of the battered woman syndrome.
Conclusions:
- Battered women exhibit a high burden of mental disorders, including depression and PTSD.
- The study validates the use of structured interviews for diagnosing mental health conditions in this population.