Early experiences of abuse and current depressive disorders in Iranian women

Early experience of abuse may be viewed as a risk factor for mental disorders in women later in life. This case-control study in Isfahan screened 709 women aged 20-45 years using the Beck Depression Inventory and structured clinical interviews for Diagnostic Statistical Manual-IV criteria. Lifetime history of abuse was determined using a standard questionnaire. Among the women 35.1% had experienced fear of or actual abuse [physical, sexual or both] in childhood or adolescence. The risk of having major depression in adult life was significantly higher in women who experienced abuse in childhood and adolescence [OR 4.3], severe degrees of abuse [OR 3.9] or multiple forms of abuse [OR 3.8]