Associations between gender-based violence and personality disorders in U.S. Women.

Abstract

Gender-based violence (GBV) is prevalent and associated with deleterious outcomes including posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and substance use disorders. Despite substantial comorbidity between these conditions and personality disorders (PDs), few, if any, studies have examined associations between lifetime exposure to GBV and risk for a range of PDs in nationally representative U.S. samples. The current study addressed this gap in the literature by examining adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and population attributable fractions (PAFs) of ten PDs by lifetime GBV exposure. Participants were 20,089 women who participated in wave 2 (2004-2005) of the National Epidemiologic Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions. Lifetime GBV and PD were reported by 25% and 20% of women, respectively. Logistic regressions indicated that women with GBV had 3.5 times the odds of lifetime PD; aORs ranged from 2.3 to 6.3 for Schizoid and Borderline PD, respectively. GBV was associated with 38% of all PD cases, and women who had experienced all three GBV types had 8.5 times the odds of PD compared to non-victims. Preventing GBV, particularly multi-type GBV, may be critical to reducing the burden of PDs. Clinicians working with GBV victims should consider assessing PDs and providing treatment targeting multiple outcomes.

Common mental disorders and HIV status in the context of DREAMS among adolescent girls and young women in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

“…Exposure to GBV was associated with probable CMD, as seen in previous studies in South Africa and elsewhere [ 53 – 55 ]. We also found that current use of alcohol was strongly associated with CMD; again consistent with previous studies [ 56 – 58 ], and with CMD changing behaviour in young adolescence, resulting in increased alcohol and other substance use at a later age.…”

Clinical Neuropsychological Profile and Quality of Life in Women Who Have Suffered Gender-Based Violence

“…In this sense, the results obtained in this research partially support the initial hypothesis, which had assumed that the psychological profile of women exposed to violence would be affected. Such affectation is repeated in stories of women violated in other cultural and social settings, where, according to the studies, sequels for mental health were reported, such as anxiety disorders, 25–27 depressive disorders, 28–30 affectation in the personality profile, 31–33 and post-traumatic stress. 3 , 4 , 34 , 35 …”

“…Another of the consequences observed is psychopathological alterations. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), 24 mentions that the disorders with the highest incidence are affective mood disorders and those related to stress, as well as anxiety disorders, 25–27 depression, 28–30 personality disorders, 31–33 and post-traumatic stress. 34 , 35 Factors, such as age, marital status, level of education, and economic status, have been correlated with the severity of psychological symptoms and the increase in reported cognitive difficulties.…”

Predictors of personality disorders in prisoners

“…In this study, gender was associated with personality disorders; however, the interpretation will not be accurate since the number of women and men were not equal, with fewer women [ 1 ]. Regarding the obtained data, the level of education had a significant relationship with clusters A, B, and C personality disorder, especially the level of education in cluster B.…”

“…Personality Disorders (PDs) can substantially lead to difficult social or occupational functioning processes induced by chronic maladaptive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. These are prevalent in nearly 6% of the world's population [ 1 – 4 ]. The risks of violent behaviors seem to be identifiable via the significant role of a personality profile, including PDs and clinically significant traits of personality [ 2 , 5 ].…”