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

Authors

  • Sofia Cid de Azevedo Residência em Psiquiatria Forense, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, HCPA, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7688-8956
  • Lisieux Elaine de Borba Telles Departamento de Psiquiatria e Medicina Legal, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4105-5924

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25118/2763-9037.2023.v13.471

Keywords:

psychological impacts, intimate partner violence, mental health, forensic psychiatry

Abstract

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.

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Author Biographies

Sofia Cid de Azevedo, Residência em Psiquiatria Forense, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, HCPA, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil.

Lisieux Elaine de Borba Telles, Departamento de Psiquiatria e Medicina Legal, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil.

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Published

2023-05-08

How to Cite

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Azevedo SC de, Telles LE de B. Psychological violence and the role of the psychiatrist: a narrative review. Debates em Psiquiatria [Internet]. 2023 May 8 [cited 2025 Nov. 6];13:1-19. Available from: https://revistardp.org.br/revista/article/view/471

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