Functional Somatic Disorders in Individuals With a History of Sexual Assault

Is sexual assault a risk factor for the development of functional somatic disorder (FSD) over a 5-year period?In this large cohort study of 4229 adults in Copenhagen, Denmark, sexual assault was associated with an increased risk of developing FSD, with symptoms affecting multiple body systems. The possible consequences of sexual assault extend across multiple organ systems, reflecting multiorgan involvement rather than confinement of symptoms to 1 organ system.These findings suggest that sexual assault is associated with the risk of FSD, with a high prevalence of symptoms across organ systems, emphasizing the need for clinical awareness and preventive interventions.

Corresponding Author: Sofie A. Jacobsen, MsPH, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Palle Juul Jensens Boulevard 11, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark (sofjas@rm.dk).

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