Victims of bullying or sexual abuse have a lower quality of life similar to those living with chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes or depression, new research has found.
A study by the University of Adelaide also found victims are more likely to display harmful behaviours like smoking and binge eating.
The study investigated about 3000 South Australians who took part in face-to-face interviews to determine the age when their abuse or bullying began and its duration.
"Sexual abuse and bullying were related to harmful behaviours like smoking dependence and binge eating, antidepressant use, and reduced quality of life," David Gonzalez-Chica from the university's medical school said.
Bullying and sexual abuse has been linked to smoking dependence. Source: Getty
"Those who suffered bullying and sexual abuse were three times more likely to be binge eaters than people who had never experienced these forms of abuse.
"Antidepressant use was up to four times more likely and smoking dependence was twice as frequent."
The study included participants of all ages, urban and rural settings and socioeconomic level.
In Australia, almost half of all adults have experienced bullying and 10 per cent have experienced some form of sexual abuse.
The study found that among people who had two or more adverse outcomes such as smoking addiction, binge eating, antidepressant use, and a lower quality of life, the probability they had suffered bullying or sexual abuse ranged between 60 to 85 per cent.
"If a doctor finds a patient with multiple harmful behaviours who is depressed and has a lower quality of life, they should consider exploring whether these patients were victims of bullying or sexual abuse," Dr Gonzales-Chica said.
"According to our results it is very likely they suffered from these forms of abuse," he said.
"Identifying survivors of both forms of abuse is important to provide support and reduce more severe mental and physical consequences, such as suicide."
Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 and Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 (for young people aged 5 to 25).
- Additional reporting: Nick Baker
