Psychiatric evaluation of women who were assisted at a university referral center in Campinas,Brazil, following an experience of sexual violence

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 24.1 years; were predominantly white, unmarried, childless, and employed; had 9–11 years 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.