title: Psychiatric evaluation of women who were assisted at a university referral center in Campinas, Brazil, following an experience of sexual violence.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To present the sociodemographic characteristics and psychiatric symptoms of women who have been raped.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between 2006 and 2010, a retrospective study was conducted of 468 women who underwent psychiatric evaluation at a university referral center in Brazil after an experience of sexual violence.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The women had a mean age of 24.1 years; were predominantly white, unmarried, childless, and employed; had 9-11 years of education; and had a religion. Rape was the first sexual intercourse for 124 (26.8%) of 462 for whom data were available; 53 (13.6%) of 389 had a personal history of sexual violence and 29 (8.0%) of 361 had a family history. No psychiatric symptoms were reported in 146 (32.9%) of 444 women, mild/short-term symptoms were reported in 107 (24.1%), and a psychiatric diagnosis was made for 191 (43.0%). Psychiatric comorbidity was seen in 59 (12.6%) women, and 174 (38.0%) received pharmacologic treatment. All follow-up consultations were attended by 215 (45.9%) of 468 women; 166 (35.5%) attended some, and 87 (18.6%) attended only one during the 6-month follow-up period.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The frequency and severity of psychiatric symptoms and mental disorders among women who have been raped highlights the importance of mental health monitoring.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Psychology and Psychiatry, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil. Electronic address: claudiafacuri@yahoo.com.br.
authors.forename: Cláudia O
authors.initials: CO
authors.lastname: Facuri
authors.affiliation: Gynecological Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil.
authors.forename: Arlete M S
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Fernandes
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Psychology and Psychiatry, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil.
authors.forename: Renata C S
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Azevedo
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001938:Brazil; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D008603:Mental Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011902:Rape / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013333:Student Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Mental disorders; Psychiatric symptoms; Psychiatry; Rape; Sexual violence; Violence against women