The psychological consequences of Female Genital Circumcision A preliminary review on the effects of FGC on women’s mental health

Abstract

Abstract Objective: Female Genital Circumcision (FGC) has many negative physical and mental health consequences. To determine the exact consequences and the severity of FGC, this study examines what is known about the mental health consequences of FGC on girls and women. Method: A preliminary systematic review, including 12 empirical studies, was executed. All forms of research, quantitative and qualitative, were included. Results: Ten empirical studies reported on the psychological effects of FGC. Eight studies reported on the impact of trauma on children, five on the effects on brain development and three on the development of dissociative disorders. Four studies reported on the increased incidence of PTSD, four on affective and anxiety disorder and only one on the development of trust and attachment disorders among women who underwent FGC. Conclusion: FGC is associated with increased risk on several psychological health effects. The psychological trauma, incurred through the circumcision, may affect the development of the children’s brain and can result in altered pain sensitivity and dissociative disorder. Besides FCG can cause PTSD, affective and anxiety disorder and trust and attachment disorder.