Psychological consequences of female genital mutilation: A mixed-method systematic review

This mixed-method systematic review by Reman et al. (2023) investigates the significant mental health burden associated with female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C). By analyzing 14 studies published between 2010 and 2020, the researchers found that women who have undergone FGM/C experience a significantly higher prevalence of psychological disorders compared to those who have not. The primary clinical diagnoses identified include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and somatization. Notably, the severity of these conditions is often predicted by the extent of the physical trauma, with Type II (excision) and Type III (infibulation) forms showing the highest correlation with severe psychological distress.

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The study highlights how cultural and contextual factors profoundly shape a survivor’s experience. In communities where FGM/C is a standard rite of passage, it may paradoxically be associated with feelings of social belonging and marriageability. However, for women who migrate to Western countries where the practice is not the norm, the psychological impact often shifts toward a sense of "being abnormal" or "dehumanized". This awareness is frequently triggered by interactions with healthcare systems that may pathologize their bodies, leading to feelings of shame, injustice, and extreme reluctance to seek future medical care.

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Ultimately, the findings emphasize the urgent need for a multidisciplinary and culturally sensitive approach to survivor care. Health professionals must be trained to recognize both the chronic physical pain and the "layered" psychological trauma—which may include memories of betrayal by parents or the physical procedure itself—to avoid re-traumatizing patients during clinical exams. Recommended clinical management strategies include the use of PTSD screening scales, patient education on pain mechanisms, and the integration of relaxation techniques to support long-term recover.

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