Psychiatric Disorders among Divorced People in Basrah

Jamal Abdulzahra, Consultant Psychiatrist, Member of Iraqi Association of Medical Research and Studies (IAMRS)"}.Follow
Rafal W. Khalid, CABMS(Psychiatry) Anesthesiologist, Al-Fayhaa Teaching Hospital, Al-Basrah, Iraq.Follow
Aqeel Ibraheem Al-Sabbagh, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Basra Medical College, University of Basra, Al-Basrah, Iraq. Consultant Psychiatrist, Psychiatry Unit, Basrah Teaching Hospital, Al-Basrah, Iraq.Follow

Authors' ORCID iD

https://orcid.org/0009-0004-4085-2344

Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Background: Divorce has been linked to increased psychiatric morbidity; however, studies in regions such as Iraq remain sparse. Despite the known mental health challenges that often follow divorce, the impact within the Iraqi context—shaped by unique cultural changes—demands focused exploration. Aim: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity among divorced individuals, identify psychiatric disorders post-divorce, and assess the impact of various sociodemographic variables on psychiatric morbidity in this population. Methods: Employing a case-control design, this study was conducted in collaboration with local courts and psychiatric clinics in Basrah. A total of 154 participants, divided equally between divorced individuals (cases) and married controls, were selected. Data were collected using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and semi-structured interviews, followed by statistical analysis to evaluate the association between divorce and psychiatric disorders. Results: The study revealed a significant prevalence of psychiatric disorders among divorced individuals compared to controls. A notable increase in depressive symptoms was observed in 68% of cases versus 55% of controls. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) was present in 42% of cases, compared to 22.2% of controls. Substance abuse was reported at 8% in cases but was not present in controls. A history of psychiatric illness before divorce was significantly associated with post-divorce psychiatric morbidity (P<0.05). The analysis highlighted a marked difference in the psychological impact of divorce, underscoring the intensified risk of psychiatric disorders among the divorced population. Conclusions: The findings underscore the heightened vulnerability of divorced individuals to psychiatric disorders, emphasizing the need for targeted mental health support and interventions. This study contributes to the growing body of evidence on the mental health repercussions of divorce and underscores the importance of comprehensive support systems for this population.

Keywords

Divorce, Psychiatric Disorders, Mental Health, Depression, Anxiety

Recommended Citation

Abdulzahra, Jamal; W. Khalid, Rafal; and Ibraheem Al-Sabbagh, Aqeel (2026) "Psychiatric Disorders among Divorced People in Basrah," Iraqi National Journal of Medicine: Vol. 8 : Iss. 1 , Article 18.
Available at: https://doi.org/10.37319/iqnjm.8.1.20