If I Am Being Abused In A Current Relationship (Physically, Sexually, Emotionally, Etc.), Am I At Risk Of Developing Clinical Depression?

Question: If I am being abused in a current relationship (physically, sexually, emotionally, etc.), am I at risk of developing clinical depression?

Answer: Stress is a major precipitant of depressive episodes in individuals who are genetically vulnerable to depression. And one of the major stressors is in fact physical or sexual abuse. Other stressors are also important, but there's little doubt that domestic violence, physical abuse, sexual abuse is a major precipitant for depressive episodes. So anyone who is a victim of such untoward behavior is in fact at increased risk for depression.

Related

ABC News OnCall+ Depression Center Home Page

More ABC News Stories/Videos On Depression

OnCall+ Wellness Center

Next: If I Was Neglected Or Abused As A Child, Is It More Likely That I Will Become Depressed Later In Life?

Previous: Does Substance Abuse Predispose Me To Depression?