Psychological violence and the role of the psychiatrist: a narrative review

• Autor(a) principal: Azevedo, Sofia Cid de
• Data de Publicação: 2023
• Outros Autores: Telles, Lisieux Elaine de Borba
• Tipo de documento: Artigo
• Idioma: por
• Título da fonte: Debates em Psiquiatria (Online)
• Texto Completo: https://revistardp.org.br/revista/article/view/471
• topic: impactos psicológicos; saúde mental; violência por parceiro íntimo; psiquiatria forense; psychological impacts; intimate partner violence; mental health; forensic psychiatry; impactos psicologicos; salud mental; violencia de pareja; psiquiatría forense

Introduction: Psychological violence is a form of domestic violence characterized by verbal aggression, embarrassment, humiliation, manipulation, threats and isolation of the victim. Despite being the most prevalent form of intimate partner violence, psychological violence is the most underreported and can evolve into more serious aggressions, such as physical and sexual abuse, when there is no external intervention. Methods: Narrative review aimed at discussing the state of the art and updating knowledge about psychological violence against women. Discussion: The psychological damage caused by this violence can lead to depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, substance abuse and suicidal ideation, which can be identified by the psychiatrist in clinical practice. The psychiatrist can also act in the pharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatment of the consequences of psychological abuse in the victims, in addition to offering support and guidance in eventual denunciation and/or separation processes. Due to the high comorbidity with substance use disorder in the aggressors, the psychiatrist can act in treatment rehabilitation programs, preventing the occurrence of new aggressions. In the forensic setting, the psychiatrist can conduct expertise and technical assistance to document the damage suffered by the victims, in addition to assessing the risk of violence and criminal liability of the aggressors. Conclusion: Psychological violence is a public health problem with serious consequences. As a health professional, the psychiatrist has the potential to act in several areas to combat domestic violence.