Psychopathology Among Adults Abused During Childhood or Adolescence

Childhood and adolescence abuse is a risk factor for later psychopathology. We examined the association between the age when sexual (SA) and physical (PA) abuse first occurred and mood and anxiety disorders and their respective age of onset, emotional distress, and sleep disturbances. Data were gathered from the Israel-based component of the World Mental Health Survey (N = 4859). Abuse was elicited by direct questions. Psychiatric disorders were diagnosed with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview, emotional distress with the 12-item General Health Questionnaire, and sleep disturbances by self-report. Multivariate analyses indicated an increased risk for psychopathology among subjects who reported childhood SA and PA. SA was associated with lifetime mood (odds ratio [OR] = 1.7) and anxiety (OR = 2.3) disorders; PA with lifetime anxiety disorder (OR = 2.8); and any abuse with increased risk for lifetime mood (OR = 1.7) and 12-month anxiety disorders (OR = 1.8). Earlier onset of SA or PA was associated with increased risk for later psychopathology.