Perinatal Depression and Anxiety in Women with and without Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

BackgroundUntreated depression and anxiety during the perinatal period have significant consequences on maternal and infant health; however, few studies have examined perinatal depression and perinatal anxiety in women with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The current study prospectively examined the prevalence of prenatal and postpartum depression and anxiety, and emotional support from family and friends, as well as childhood sexual abuse in women with and without HIV infection.MethodsBetween July 2009 and January 2013, 258 pregnant women receiving care in a Philadelphia hospital were enrolled, with 162 completing both the prenatal and postpartum portions of the study. The Center for Epidemiological Studies–Depression Scale (CES-D), and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Adults were used to measure depression and anxiety symptoms, respectively. An independent samples t test and multiple linear regressions were used to determine associations among depression, anxiety, and pregnancy-related variables.ResultsForty-nine participants (30%) were living with HIV; 113 (70%) were HIV negative. CES-D scores did not differ prenatally (p = .131) or postpartum (p = .156) between women with and without HIV. Prenatal state anxiety scores were higher in women with HIV (p = .02) but there were no differences postpartum (p = .432). In a multiple linear regression, trait anxiety predicted postpartum anxiety in the full sample (p < .001) and childhood sexual abuse predicted postpartum depression among women with HIV (p = .021).ConclusionsThese findings highlight the importance of identifying and treating perinatal depression and anxiety early in the prenatal period. Results also emphasize the need for providers to be aware of childhood sexual abuse as a potential correlate for depression in women with HIV.     

Depression in People With Dementia and Caregiver Outcomes: Results From the European Right Time Place Care Study

ObjectiveTo investigate the cross-sectional associations between depression in people with dementia and both caregiver burden and quality of life in 8 European countries, and to test these associations compared with the presence of other neuropsychiatric symptoms.DesignCross-sectional study.Setting and ParticipantsIn total, 1223 dyads comprised of informal caregivers and people with dementia living in a community-dwelling setting, recruited from the Right Time Place Care study, a cohort survey from 8 European countries.MeasuresTo test the associations between depression (according to the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia) and informal caregiver burden (defined by the Zarit scale and hours of supervision in terms of Resource Utilization in Dementia), distress (defined by the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire distress score), and quality of life (according to the visual analogue scale and 12-item General Health Questionnaire).ResultsLinear regressions showed an association between depression and main outcomes (Zarit scale: β 3.7; P = .001; hours of supervision: β 1.7; P = .004; Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire distress score: β 1.2; P = .002). A similar association was found concerning psychological and overall well-being (12-item General Health Questionnaire: β 1.8; P < .001; Euroqol Visual Analogue Scale: β −4.1; P = .003). Both associations remained significant despite the presence of other NPS and after adjusting for confounders.Conclusions and ImplicationsFurther studies are needed to assess whether providing tailored strategies for optimizing diagnosis and managing of depression in people with dementia might improve caregiver quality of life and reduce their burden in the community-dwelling setting.     

One Meaning for Two Persons: An Actor-Partner Interdependence Model Analysis of Meaning in Life,Anxiety, and Depression Among Rehabilitation Patients and Caregivers

ObjectivePatients and caregivers in the inpatient physical rehabilitation setting are presented with life-changing medical conditions, and their meaning in life can change dramatically. Meaning in life is associated with fewer depressive and anxiety symptoms, but little is known about how they are related interdependently among patients and caregivers. In the current study, we aim to explore their dyadic relationships.DesignActor-partner interdependence model through structural equation modeling for dyadic analyses.Setting and ParticipantsA total of 160 pairs of patients and caregivers recruited from 6 inpatient rehabilitation hospitals in China.MethodsCross-sectional surveys were conducted among pairs of rehabilitation patients and caregivers. The presence of and search for meaning were measured with the Meaning in Life Questionnaire.ResultsIn 2 separate models, we found that patients' presence of meaning was negatively associated with their own depression (β = −0.61, P < .001) and anxiety (β = −0.55, P < .001), as well as their caregivers' depression (β = −0.32, P < .001) and anxiety (β = −0.31, P < .001). However, the caregivers’ presence of meaning was only negatively associated with their own depression (β = −0.25, P < .05) and anxiety (β = −0.21, P < .05). A search for meaning was not significantly associated with depression or anxiety.Conclusions and ImplicationsThe results indicate that the anxiety and depressive symptoms of rehabilitation inpatients and caregivers are associated with their own level of presence of meaning. Caregivers' depression and anxiety are interdependently associated with patients' presence of meaning. Clinicians should take dyadic interdependence into consideration when providing psychological services to rehabilitate patients and their caregivers. Meaning-centered interventions can be helpful for the dyads’ meaning-making and mental health.     

Anxiety predicted premature all-cause and cardiovascular death in a 10-year follow-up of middle-aged women

ObjectiveResearch on emotional distress and mortality has largely focused on depression in men and in elderly populations. We examined the relation between anxiety and mortality in women at midlife, adjusting for depression.Study Design and SettingAt baseline, 5,073 healthy Dutch women aged 46–54 years (mean = 50.4 ± 2.1) and living in Eindhoven, completed a three-item anxiety scale (“being anxious/worried,” “feeling scared/panicky,” “ruminating about things that went wrong;” Cronbach's α = 0.77). The primary outcome was all-cause mortality at 10-year follow-up; secondary outcomes were cardiovascular and lung/breast cancer death.ResultsAt follow-up, 114 (2.2%) women had died at the mean age of 56.4 ± 3.1 years. Lung cancer (23%), cardiovascular disease (18%), and breast cancer (15%) were the major causes of death. Smoking, living alone, and lower education were related to mortality, but depression was not. Adjusting for these variables, anxiety was associated with a 77% increase in mortality risk (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.77, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.14–2.74, P = 0.011). Anxiety was related to cardiovascular death (HR = 2.77, 95% CI: 1.17–6.58, P = 0.021); there was also a trend for lung cancer death (HR = 1.91, 95% CI: 0.90–4.06, P = 0.095) but not for breast cancer death.ConclusionAnxiety predicted premature all-cause and cardiovascular death in middle-aged women, after adjustment for standard risk factors and depression.     

On campus physical activity programming for post-secondary student mental health: Examining effectiveness and acceptability

AimProviding effective support for students with mental health concerns is a priority on post-secondary campuses. Recreational programming including physical activity is an evidence-informed approach that can be used to support mental health and well-being. Yet, limited research has examined effective and acceptable strategies for using campus-based physical activity programs to support the mental health of post-secondary students. Using a mixed-methods approach, the current study addressed the acceptability and effectiveness of a physical activity program for student mental health.MethodsIn collaboration with on-campus mental health services, a 6-week one-on-one and individualized physical activity program tailored towards students seeking mental health support was implemented. A pretest-posttest design was used to test the effectiveness of the program and participants (N = 68; M_age = 22.96 years, SD = 3.42; 82% female) completed self-report questionnaires to assess changes in symptoms of psychological distress, depression, and anxiety. Semi-structured interviews (N = 11) with program participants were conducted to explore the acceptability of the program and were analyzed using thematic analysis.ResultsPaired samples t-tests demonstrated a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, and psychological distress pre-post program (ps < .05). The generated themes suggested that the program is an acceptable and effective holistic approach for improving mental health among students.ConclusionsThe results provide implications for implementing on-campus physical activity programs as a mental health and well-being intervention. Implications for further understanding principle program design and delivery strategies are discussed.     

Prospective COVID-19 related changes in physical activity and sedentary time and associations with symptoms of depression and anxiety

ProblemThe COVID-19 pandemic is associated with psychological distress. Decreased moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and increased sedentary time may be exacerbating pandemic-related symptoms of anxiety and depression, but existing studies exploring these associations are almost entirely cross-sectional.MethodsReported data from 2018 and Summer 2020 were used to create change categories based on compliance with MVPA guidelines and relative sedentary time. Participants completed the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) in Summer 2020. Associations among changes in MVPA and sedentary time (separately and jointly) with psychological distress (total PHQ-4 score) were examined with ordinal logistic regression and associations with depressive or anxiety symptoms were examined with logistic regression.ResultsAmong 2,240 participants (65% women, mean age 57.5 years), 67% increased sedentary time and 21% became inactive between the two time points. After multivariate adjustment, participants who became (OR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.05–2.78) or remained inactive (OR = 2.07, 1.34–3.22) were more likely to experience depressive symptoms compared to those who remained active. Participants who increased sedentary time were also more likely to experience depressive symptoms compared to those who maintained sedentary time (OR = 1.78, 1.13–2.81). Jointly, those who increased sedentary time while remaining (OR = 3.67, 1.83–7.38) or becoming inactive (OR = 3.02, 1.44–6.34) were much more likely to have depressive symptoms compared to the joint referent (remained active/maintained sedentary time). Associations with anxiety symptoms were not statistically significant.ConclusionsThese findings support the value of promoting MVPA and limiting sedentary time during stressful events associated with psychological distress, like the COVID-19 pandemic.     

Anxiety Disorders are Associated with Low Socioeconomic Status in Women but Not in Men

ObjectivesWe investigated to what extent the lifetime prevalence of anxiety disorders relates to negative economic changes, taking important lifestyle factors and unexpected life events into consideration.MethodsWe included 3,695 participants recruited in the city of Lausanne (Switzerland), from the population-based CoLaus/PsyCoLaus study. The association between anxiety disorders, lifestyle factors, and life events related to income was investigated using binary logistic regression analyses correcting for demographic and clinical confounders.ResultsCompared with men, women with anxiety disorders showed a significantly lower socioeconomic status (Mann-Whitney U = 56,318; p < .001) and reported a higher negative impact of substantial reduction of income (Mann-Whitney U = 68,531; p = .024). When performing adjusted analyses, low socioeconomic status (odd ratio, 0.87; p = .001) and negative impact of reduction of income (odd ratio, 1.01; p = .004) were associated significantly with anxiety disorders in women but not in men.ConclusionOur results suggest that anxiety disorders aggravate already existing gender differences in economic conditions, and that women with anxiety need additional support to attain socioeconomic security similar to that of men.     

Women's Substance Use and Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic

PurposeWomen are experiencing greater unemployment and increased stress from childcare responsibilities than men during the COVID-19 pandemic. Women with these experiences may be at particular risk for mental illness and increased substance use during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of the study was to assess women's substance use, mental health, and experiences of COVID-19 pandemic impacts.MethodsA national online survey was administered to adult women from September to November 2020. The survey included questionnaires assessing mental health, loneliness, intolerance for uncertainty, social support, substance use, and intimate partner violence (IPV).ResultsA total of 499 women responded; most were White, college educated, and in their mid-30s. Of the 20.24% who acknowledged at least one IPV problem, 29.7% stated that their IPV problems have gotten worse since the pandemic began, and 16.83% said that they have increased their drug or alcohol use to cope with their relationship problems. Anxiety, perceived daily impact of COVID-19, and lower self-efficacy were significant predictors of COVID-19 anxiety. Those with risky alcohol use had significantly higher anxiety (p = .028) and depression (p = .032) than those with low-risk alcohol use.ConclusionsGreater anxiety about COVID-19, greater reported changes in daily life due to the pandemic, and high-risk alcohol use are related to greater mental health–related distress among women. For some, IPV has gotten worse during the pandemic and drug or alcohol use is a coping mechanism.     

Psychotherapy for the Treatment of Anxiety and Depression in Patients with Parkinson Disease: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

ObjectiveAnxiety and depression are major psychiatric nonmotor symptoms (NMSs) of Parkinson disease (PD). Although several studies have investigated the effects of psychotherapeutic interventions, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), for alleviating anxiety and depression in patients with PD, the findings have been inconclusive because of the small sample size and the lack of a unified protocol for such treatments. Thus, the present meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to assess the effect of psychotherapy on PD-related anxiety and depression.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.Setting and ParticipantsRelevant RCTs were extracted from PubMed, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Cochrane Library databases. This study was registered in PROSPERO under the number CRD 42020165052.MeasuresThe primary and secondary outcomes were changes in the anxiety score and depressive symptoms, respectively.ResultsFourteen RCTs including 507 patients with PD were analyzed. The interventions were classified as CBT and non-CBT. CBT significantly reduced anxiety at the end of the study (standardized mean difference = −0.85, 95% confidence interval = −1.12 to −0.58, P < .001, I² = 0%), whereas non-CBT did not. Greater heterogeneity in the effects of non-CBT treatment was observed. CBT was significantly beneficial for depression (standardized mean difference = −0.83, 95% confidence interval = −1.26 to −0.40, P < .001, I² = 55%). Despite the greater heterogeneity in the effects, non-CBT interventions were also effective in alleviating depressive symptoms.Conclusion and ImplicationsCBT is effective for the management of anxiety and depression in patients with PD. Routine treatment for patients with this condition is strongly recommended.     

Cardiovascular disease risk factors and psychological distress among Hispanics/Latinos: The Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL)

Studies show that cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors are correlated with psychological distress, yet research examining these relationships among Hispanic/Latinos is lacking. The population-based Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos enrolled a cohort of Hispanic/Latino adults (N = 16,415) 18–74 years of age at the time of recruitment, from four US metropolitan areas, between March 2008 and June 2011. Psychological distress (i.e., 10-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, 10 item Spielberger Trait Anxiety Scale, and a combined depression/anxiety score), socio-demographics (i.e., age, education, income, insurance, sex, and Hispanic/Latino background), acculturation (i.e., country of birth and language preference), and traditional CVD risk factors (i.e., dyslipidemia, obesity, current cigarette smoking, diabetes, and hypertension) were assessed at baseline. Associations between CVD risk factors and psychological distress measures by sex were examined using multiple linear regression models, accounting for complex survey design and sampling weights and controlling for socio-demographic and acculturation covariates. In adjusted analyses, all three psychological distress measures were significantly related to smoking. For females, greater psychological distress was significantly related to obesity and current smoking. For males, diabetes and current smoking were associated with psychological distress. For males and females, dyslipidemia and hypertension were not associated with psychological distress after adjusting for other factors. Elevated depression and anxiety symptoms were associated with CVD risk factors for Hispanic/Latino men and women. However, these results were not consistent across Hispanic/Latino groups. As promoted by the integrative care model, psychosocial concerns should be considered in research on CVD risk and chronic disease prevention.     

Feasibility of Group-Based Multiple Virtual Reality Sessions to Reduce Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms in Persons Living in Residential Aged Care

ObjectivesTo assess the feasibility of using group-based fully immersive virtual reality (VR) across multiple sessions to reduce behavioral and psychological symptoms (BPSs), including depression, anxiety, and agitated behaviors, in cognitively diverse aged care residents.DesignA 6-session feasibility trial was conducted within a residential aged care facility using convenience sampling to recruit N = 25 residents of varying cognitive capacity. Groups of 5 residents viewed 360-degree videos on a wireless head-mounted display to provide fully immersive VR experiences.Setting and participantsHalf of the participants recruited from the 160-bed facility had a diagnosis of dementia (48%), whereas assessment with the Psychogeriatric Assessment Scale for cognitive impairment revealed that 64% experienced cognitive impairment (mild 20%, moderate 16%, and severe 28%). Additionally, 32% of participants had an existing anxiety or depression diagnosis.MeasuresThe Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia, Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item, and Cohen Mansfield Agitation Inventory–Short were used to assess changes in persisting BPS pre- to postintervention period. The Person-Environment Apathy Rating apathy subscale, Observed Emotions Rating Scale, and a visual analog scale (Smileometer) were used to assess immediate mood responses from residents at every VR session. VR tolerability and resident feedback was also recorded.ResultsPleasure (z = ?5.892, P < .001) and general alertness (z = ?2.455, P = .014) of participants improved at VR sessions, whereas apathy diminished (z = ?5.275, P < .001). Compared to baseline, post-intervention depression was significantly lowered (z = ?2.60, P = .009), whereas agitation increased (z = ?2.98, P = .003). No significant changes in anxiety were observed. The quality of 360-degree videos and the device used did not induce any major VR-related negative side effects.Conclusions and implicationsOverall group-based VR reduced depressive symptoms and apathy, and induced a positive emotional response in most residents, with few observed side effects. Results indicate feasibility of group-based VR technological innovation within RAC.     

The barriers to participation in leisure time physical activities among Iranian women with severe mental illness: A qualitative study

Background and objectivesSedentary behavior and physical inactivity are known risk factors for poor health and increased mortality in patients with severe mental illness. Identifying the barriers to participation in leisure-time physical activities among these patients can be helpful in planning effective interventions aimed at increasing activity level. Prior to the present study, the barriers experienced by female patients in Iran were unknown.Materials and methodsThis was a qualitative study using conventional content analysis. Participants were 32 women with severe mental illness who were hospitalized at women's psychiatric wards of Farabi Teaching Hospital in Kermanshah, Iran, from September 2015 to March 2016. Data were collected through four focus group discussion sessions and were then analyzed.ResultsParticipants had a mean age of 42 (SD = 7.8) and an active diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder (n = 10), schizophrenia (n = 8), a chronic bipolar disorder (n = 8), or major depression disorder (n = 6). Two main barrier categories emerged: Personal experience of disease and Non-supportive context. Within the former, stigma of disease, signs and symptoms of disease, and medication side effects were the constituent subcategories. Non-supportive context subcategories consisted of family, cultural, environmental, and medical staff barriers that influenced non-participation in leisure-time physical activities.ConclusionIranian women with severe mental illness face a number of barriers to participation in leisure-time physical activities including the stigma, symptoms, and treatment of mental illness; and contextual barriers such as family expectations, societal perceptions, environmental factors, and lack of medical staff support. It is recommended that providers consider these factors when developing therapeutic plans for similar patient populations.     

Receipt of Cervical Cancer Screening in Female Veterans: Impact of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Depression

PurposeWe evaluated receipt of cervical cancer screening in a national sample of 34,213 women veterans using Veteran Health Administration facilities between 2003 and 2007 and diagnosed with 1) posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or 2) depression, or 3) no psychiatric illness.MethodsOur study featured a cross-sectional design in which logistic regression analyses compared receipt of recommended cervical cancer screening for all three diagnostic groups.ResultsCervical cancer screening rates varied minimally by diagnostic group: 77% of women with PTSD versus 75% with depression versus 75% without psychiatric illness were screened during the study observation period (p < .001). However, primary care use was associated with differential odds of screening in women with versus without psychiatric illness (PTSD or depression), even after adjustment for age, income and physical comorbidities (Wald Chi-square (2): 126.59; p < .0001). Specifically, among low users of primary care services, women with PTSD or depression were more likely than those with no psychiatric diagnoses to receive screening. Among high users of primary care services, they were less likely to receive screening.ConclusionPsychiatric illness (PTSD or depression) had little to no effect on receipt of cervical cancer screening. Our finding that high use of primary care services was not associated with comparable odds of screening in women with versus without psychiatric illness suggests that providers caring for women with PTSD or depression and high use of primary care services should be especially attentive to their preventive healthcare needs.     

Relationships between depression,gender, and unhealthy weight loss practices among overweight or obese college students

IntroductionUnhealthy weight loss practices are common among female college students. It is unknown if these practices are also most common among women in the subset of overweight or obese college students or if these practices are related to depression. We examined the relationship between gender, depression, and unhealthy weight loss practices among overweight or obese college students.MethodsStudents (body mass index between 25.0 and 34.9 kg/m²) from three Southern California universities (M_age = 22 years, SD = 4; 70% women) were recruited from May 2011 to May 2012 for participation in a weight loss clinical trial (N = 404). Logistic regressions were performed with baseline data to assess the cross-sectional relationship between self-reported unhealthy weight loss practices and gender and depression as measured by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression short form.ResultsTwenty-nine percent of participants reported engaging in at least one unhealthy weight loss behavior (e.g., fasting, purging) over the last 30 days, with no differences by gender. Self-report of at least one unhealthy weight loss behavior was associated with report of symptoms of depression (e^B = 1.14 [confidence interval, CI: 1.08–1.20]), adjusting for potential confounders. Interactions between gender and depression were not significant (e^B = 1.04 [CI: 0.93–1.16]).ConclusionAmong an overweight or obese sample of college students, unhealthy weight loss practices were equally common in both genders, and students with depressive symptomatology were at greatest risk. Obesity interventions targeting overweight or obese college students should educate both men and women about the dangers of unhealthy weight loss practices. In addition, screening for depression can help identify students who would benefit from additional supportive and coping strategies and resources.     

Peer-group support intervention improves the psychosocial well-being of AIDS orphans: Cluster randomized trial

Accumulating evidence suggests that AIDS orphanhood status is accompanied by increased levels of psychological distress such as anxiety, depression, intense guilt, shame, and anger. However, few studies have examined the possible reduction of psychological distress in AIDS orphans through the help of interventions that promote well-being. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of a school-based peer-group support intervention combined with periodic somatic health assessments and treatment on the psychosocial well-being of AIDS orphans in the Mbarara District of southwestern Uganda. In a cluster randomized controlled design, 326 AIDS orphans aged 10–15 years were assigned to either peer-group support intervention combined with monthly somatic healthcare (n = 159) or control group (n = 167) for follow-up assessment. Baseline and 10 week follow-up psychological assessments were conducted in both groups using self-administered Beck Youth Inventories. Complete data were available for 298 orphans. After adjusting for baseline scores, follow-up scores for the intervention group in comparison with controls showed significant improvement in depression, anger, and anxiety but not for self-concept. This study demonstrated that peer-group support intervention decreased psychological distress, particularly symptoms of depression, anxiety and anger. Thus, the use of peer-group support interventions should be incorporated into existing school health programs.     

Stress and Anxiety are Associated with Lower Gestational Weight Gain in Hispanic Women

ObjectivePrior studies indicate that inadequate and excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) are associated with poor maternal and infant outcomes, and that stress and anxiety may contribute to GWG. However, these studies often failed to use validated measures of stress and anxiety, measured only total GWG, and were limited to largely non-Hispanic White populations. We explored the association between stress and anxiety and GWG.MethodsWe used data from 1,308 participants in Proyecto Buena Salud, a prospective cohort of predominantly Puerto Rican women 18–40 years of age (2006–2012). We measured stress with the Perceived Stress Scale and anxiety with the State-Trait Anxiety Scale, and abstracted GWG from medical records.ResultsThe average GWG was 31.0 ± 16.1 pounds. More than one-half of participants (51.8%) exceeded Institute of Medicine guidelines for GWG. After adjusting for age and pre-pregnancy body mass index, women in the highest quartiles of stress and anxiety in early pregnancy had approximately 4 lbs lower GWG (β = −3.89; SE = 1.54; p = .012 and β = −4.37; SE = 1.54; p = .005, respectively) as compared with those in the lowest quartiles. Similarly, women in the highest quartiles of mid/late pregnancy stress and anxiety had lower GWG (β = −3.84 lbs; SE = 1.39; p = .006, and β = −3.51 lbs; SE = 1.38; p = .011, respectively) and a lower rate of GWG in the second and third trimesters (β = −0.117 lbs/week; SE = 0.044; p = .008 and β = −0.116 lbs/week; SE = 0.043; p = .007, respectively), compared with those in the lowest quartiles.ConclusionsHigh stress and anxiety were associated with lower GWG. Interventions to decrease stress and anxiety during pregnancy should include counseling on maintaining healthy GWG.     

Factors That Contribute or Impede the Physical Health Recovery of Women Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence: A Longitudinal Study

BackgroundSeveral cross-sectional studies have demonstrated the negative impact that intimate partner violence (IPV) has on the physical health of women. However, longitudinal studies are needed to establish the time course of this effect. This study assessed the physical health course of female IPV victims and established the factors that enhance or impede their recovery.MethodsWomen (n = 91) who participated in a previous cross-sectional study (T-1) and were either victims of physical/psychological IPV (n = 33) or psychological IPV (n = 23) were evaluated 3 years later (T-2). A control group of women (n = 35) was included for comparison. Structured interviews provided information regarding IPV characteristics, physical health, and lifestyle.FindingsPhysical symptoms decreased over time for both groups of abused women. Factors that contributed to this improvement were perception of social support and the cessation of physical IPV. Factors that impaired recovery included cohabitation with the aggressor, victimization experiences at T-2, negative perceptions of life events, and continuing psychological IPV.ConclusionsThis study shows that physical health improvement is possible in female victims of IPV, but that continuing psychological IPV hinders recovery. Additional longitudinal studies are needed to investigate the factors that best predict health recovery in female IPV victims to design effective intervention programs.