Childhood physical assault as a risk factor for PTSD, depression, and substance abuse: findings from a national survey

Am J Orthopsychiatry. 1996 Jul;66(3):437-48. doi: 10.1037/h0080194.

Abstract

A national sample of adult women was screened for a history of serious physical assault in childhood, major depressive episode, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance abuse. Approximately 2.6% reported having experienced serious assaults in childhood, with fathers and stepfathers identified as having been the most frequent offenders. Compared to women reporting no such victimization, these women experienced more lifetime and current episodes of depression, post-traumatic stress, and substance abuse.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child Abuse / psychology
  • Child Abuse / statistics & numerical data*
  • Depressive Disorder / psychology*
  • Family / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Male
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / etiology*
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / psychology*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / psychology*
  • United States / epidemiology