J Korean Neuropsychiatr Assoc.  2015 Nov;54(4):542-548. 10.4306/jknpa.2015.54.4.542.

Study on Mental Disorders in Abused Children

• Ha JH
• Lim SH
• Joe SH

• KMID: 2149337
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4306/jknpa.2015.54.4.542

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Child abuse can affect mental and physical health of abused children. Accurate assessment of mental health of abused children is integral to providing proper treatment and preventing any further impact of childhood abuse on their future life. In this study, we investigated psychiatric illnesses among abused children.
METHODS
Semi-structured interviews using the Kiddie-Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia-Present and Lifetime Version-Korean Version were conducted for 61 abused children after obtaining consent from their guardians. We also assessed the relationship between the demographic data of these abused children and their diagnoses.
RESULTS
Among the abused children, more than half had more than one psychiatric disorder. The most frequently diagnosed disorders were attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, depressive disorder, and oppositional defiant disorder. The incidence of posttraumatic stress disorder was higher in abused girls compared with abused boys. Abused children had a higher suicide risk than the general population. Among the parents of abused children, 50.8% had alcohol use disorders.
CONCLUSION
Among the abused children, 50.8% had psychiatric disorders. Administration of intensive psychiatric treatment to abused children, and prevention of child abuse by education, treatment, and monitoring high-risk parents is imperative.

Keyword

Child abuse; Psychiatric illness; Mental health; Kiddie-Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia Present and Lifetime Version

MeSH Terms

Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders
Child Abuse
Child*
Depressive Disorder
Diagnosis
Education
Female
Humans
Incidence
Mental Disorders*
Mental Health
Mood Disorders
Parents
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
Suicide

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Family history of psychiatric disorders. AUD : Alcohol use disorder, DD : Depressive disorder, AD : Anxiety disorder, SPR : Schizophrenia.

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