Although it is suggested that circumcised women are at risk of developing more psychiatric illnesses than the general population, little research has been conducted to confirm this claim. This study investigated the mental health status of adult women who have undergone genital mutilation in their youth in Africa and later in life migrated to Europe. The psychological, social, and relational impact of female genital mutilation was assessed in 66 circumcised women originating from five different African countries (Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan, Eritrea, and Sierra Leone) who have migrated to the Netherlands. Also, risk factors for the development of mental health problems for these immigrant circumcised women were determined. An in-depth interview and four standardized questionnaires were used to assess levels of traumatization, psychiatric illnesses, and potential risk factors. One third of the circumcised women met criteria for affective or anxiety disorders, and indices for posttraumatic stress disorder were presented by 16% of the subjects. A lively memory of the circumcision, an avoidant coping style (in particular substance abuse), infibulation (the narrowing of the vaginal orifice by cutting and closing the labia) as type of circumcision, and lack of a job or income were significant factors associated with psychopathology. Interestingly, women originating from Somalia reported the least problems. To conclude, there is no reason to pathologize the consequences of female genital mutilation in immigrant women, but specific attention to the serious psychosocial problems among a considerable minority group at risk is warranted.

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