Sexual Abuse and Lifetime Diagnosis of Psychiatric Disorders: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The evidence for an association between sexual abuse & a lifetime diagnoses of psychiatric disorders was systematically assessed. A comprehensive literature search was done, yielding 37 eligible studies. Among other associations, a statistically significant association was found between sexual abuse & suicide attempts. Associations persisted regardless of the victim’s gender or the age at which the abuse occurred. It is concluded that a history of sexual abuse is associated with an increased risk of a lifetime diagnosis of multiple psychiatric disorders. (102 refs.) JA