Author(s)

Tracie O. Afifi

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Research has indicated that child maltreatment is associated with an increased likelihood of mental disorders and suicidal ideation and attempts that continues into adulthood. The purpose of this paper is to provide a synopsis of the recent published research from 2006 to 2010 on the association between child maltreatment and Axis I mental disorders and suicidal ideation and attempts. The databases MEDLINE and PsycINFO were searched for relevant and high quality citations up to October 2010. The results indicated that all types of child maltreatment examined are linked to reduced mental health. A general noted trend in the literature is that earlier age of onset of child maltreatment is associated with poorer mental health outcomes. Sex differences do exist with some disorders being more likely among males (e.g., anti-social behaviour) and other more likely among females (e.g., depression, PTSD, substance use disorders) following child maltreatment.

Child Maltreatment; Child Abuse; Physical Abuse; Sexual Abuse; Emotional Abuse; Neglect; Exposure To Intimate Partner Violence; Mental Disorders; Mental Health; Depression; Anxiety Disorders; Conduct Disorder; Eating Disorders; Substance Use Disorders; Suicidal Ideation; Suicide Attempts

Afifi, T. (2012) The relationship between child maltreatment and axis I mental disorders: A summary of the published literature from 2006 to 2010. Open Journal of Psychiatry, 2, 21-32. doi: 10.4236/ojpsych.2012.21004.