Comorbidity between abuse of an adult and DSM-III-R mental disorders: evidence from an epidemiological study.

The purpose of this study was to report the prevalence, risk, and implications of comorbidity between partner violence and psychiatric disorders.Data were obtained from a representative birth cohort of 941 young adults through use of the Conflict Tactics Scales and Diagnostic Interview Schedule.Half of those involved in partner violence had a psychiatric disorder; one-third of those with a psychiatric disorder were involved in partner violence. Individuals involved in severe partner violence had elevated rates of a wide spectrum of disorders.The findings support the importance of mental health clinicians screening for partner violence and treating victims and perpetrators before injury occurs.

Duke Scholars

Author Terrie E. Moffitt Psychology & Neuroscience

Author Avshalom Caspi Psychology & Neuroscience