Post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in battered women: A shelter sample

Abstract A sample of 77 battered women in shelters was examined for the presence or absence of a post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis. Self‐report data were obtained on battery characteristics, extent of intrusion and avoidance, depression, anxiety, and general psychopathology. Eight‐four percent of the sample met the DSM‐III‐R criteria for PTSD according to self‐report. The reported subjective distress regarding the battery experience was positively correlated with presence and degree of PTSD, intrusion, depression, anxiety, and general psychopathology. Extent of abuse was positively related to presence and degree of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and overall symptom distress. Length of the abusive relationship was least related to the outcome variables. The results of this study indicated that the shelter population of battered women is at high risk for post‐traumatic stress disorder and this is linked with characteristics of the battery experience. The usefulness of these findings with regards to diagnosis and treatment is discussed.