Psychosomatics 1990; 31:265-272
Copyright © 1990 by Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine
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ORIGINAL RESEARCH REPORTS |
Sexual abuse and premenstrual syndrome: comparison between a lower and higher socioeconomic group
PL Paddison, LH Gise, A Lebovits, JJ Strain, DM Cirasole and JP Levine
Department of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York 10029.
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.
