COMORBIDITY BETWEEN ABUSE OF AN ADULT AND DSM-III-R MENTAL-DISORDERS - EVIDENCE FROM AN EPIDEMIOLOGIC-STUDY

Objective: The purpose of this study was to report the prevalence, ris k, and implications of comorbidity between partner violence and psychi atric disorders. Method: Data were obtained from a representative birt h cohort of 941 young adults through use of the Conflict Tactics Scale s and Diagnostic Interview Schedule. Results: Half of those involved i n 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 spec trum of disorders. Conclusions: The findings support the importance of mental health clinicians screening for partner violence and treating victims and perpetrators before injury occurs.