Mental Health of Victims of Intimate Partner Violence: Results From a National Epidemiologic Survey

Objective: This study assessed the national incidence and mental health correlates of recent intimate partner violence among adults interviewed by the wave 2 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. Methods: Data were collected about minor and severe forms of intimate partner violence among adults who reported being married, recently married, or in a romantic relationship in the past 12 months (N=25,626). Results: A total of 1,608 individuals reported being victims of intimate partner violence, including 5.8% of men and 5.6% of women. New onset of axis I disorders was significantly more common among victims of intimate partner violence than among nonvictims (22.5% and 9.7%, respectively; OR=2.6) and was related to frequency of violent acts. Conclusions: Intimate partner violence is common, and victimization, especially if recurrent, markedly increases the risk for developing several psychiatric disorders. (Psychiatric Services 62:959–962, 2011)