Childhood abuse and parental disorders reported by Navy outpatient mental health patients.

OBJECTIVE

To ascertain the number of Navy outpatient mental health patients reporting a history of childhood abuse. To explore the relationships among abuse history, parental/step-parental substance abuse, mental illness, and divorce.

METHOD

Review of 134 clinical data forms completed by patients when first seen.

RESULTS

Twenty-six percent reported at least one type of childhood abuse (physical, sexual, verbal, emotional). Proportionally more females reported any one type of abuse. Assailants were predominantly males, typically fathers or stepfathers. Verbal abuse significantly affected childhood happiness. Parental substance abuse, mental illness, or divorce before age 19 reduced childhood happiness, and abuse further reduced it.

CONCLUSION

Childhood abuse is commonly reported by Navy mental health patients and may affect their adjustment to military life.