Psychiatric correlates of incest in childhood.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of the study was to describe more precisely the type of psychiatric illness associated with incest during childhood.


METHODS
The Diagnostic Interview Schedule was administered to 52 adult women who had been victims of incest during childhood and to 23 age- and race-matched comparison subjects from local self-help agencies.


RESULTS
The prevalence of 19 psychiatric disorders was higher in the incest group than base population rates. Rates of anxiety disorders (panic disorder, agoraphobia, social and simple phobia), major depression, and alcohol abuse and dependence were significantly higher in the incest group than in the comparison group. More severe types of incestuous abuse were associated with a higher risk for the development of psychiatric disorders.


CONCLUSIONS
There was an association between incest and psychiatric disorders in this community-based treatment population. All patients, especially those who present with these specific psychiatric disorders, should be queried about childhood sexual abuse during the history.
Pribor
E F
EF
Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110.
Dinwiddie
S H
SH
D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D002650:Child Abuse, Sexual / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007179:Incest / Q000523:psychology; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D015995:Prevalence; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012307:Risk Factors