Sexual abuse and premenstrual syndrome: comparison between a lower and higher socioeconomic group.
Of 174 women presenting symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), 40% had a history as victims of sexual abuse. Thirty-three percent were of a high-SES (socioeconomic status) group and 52% of a low-SES group. The authors found a connection between sexual abuse and psychiatric hospitalization for women seeking treatment for PMS. Beck Depression Inventory scores were high, supporting current research indicating a prevalence of affective disorders in women seeking treatment for PMS. However, the authors found few differences between the high- and low-SES groups. Specific questioning regarding a history of adverse sexual experiences is critical in evaluating all patients.
Paddison
P L
PL
Department of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York 10029.
Gise
L H
LH
Lebovits
A
A
Strain
J J
JJ
Cirasole
D M
DM
Levine
J P
JP
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002650:Child Abuse, Sexual / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010556:Personality Tests; D011293:Premenstrual Syndrome / Q000523:psychology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011602:Psychophysiologic Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors