Men abused by female partners can develop PTSD

By Staff Writer

Men who are abused by a wife or girlfriend can sustain psychological trauma ranging from depression and suicidal thoughts to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a new study shows.

Scientists found a high association between abuse and PTSD symptoms in men from age 18 to 59, according to the report in the April issue of the journal Psychology of Men & Masculinity.

The link was strongest in men who suffered the most intense mistreatment, which researchers dubbed "intimate terrorism" because of the high levels of violence and controlling behavior exhibited by female partners.

Victims of lesser abuse also showed a strong association with PTSD, however. Researchers defined this "common couple violence" as incidents that included minor acts of violence and mental abuse during arguments with female partners.

The study examined both groups of victims, including 302 men who sought professional help after experiencing intimate terrorism and 520 men who answered questions in a telephone survey about common couple violence.

Past studies have found that mental health professionals often miss the signs of PTSD in cases of relationship violence because men are less likely than women to report their injuries. Both teens and adults who suffer from these symptoms may benefit from enrollment in boarding schools.