Depressive symptoms in rape victims. A revisit.

Ninety recent victims of sexual assault were assessed within 4 weeks of the assault for evidence of depressive symptomatology and major depressive disorder. The results suggested 43% of the subjects met Research Diagnostic Criteria for major depressive disorder, with sleep disturbance and dysphoria being the most frequently endorsed symptoms. Older subjects and subjects who had been sexually victimized prior to the current assault were at significantly higher risk for developing major depressive disorder post-assault. Follow-up assessments revealed a diminution of depressive symptoms by 3 months after initial assessment and a continuing stabilization of mood at 6 and 12 months.