What percentage of rape victims experience a major depressive episode?

• A. 30%
• B. 10%
• C. 50%
• D. 20%

Answer: (A)

Experiencing rape is a severe trauma that markedly raises the risk of developing a major depressive episode. Among survivors, a substantial portion meet criteria for major depressive disorder at some point after the assault, with about 30% commonly cited as the best-supported figure. This level reflects how trauma can disrupt mood, sleep, appetite, and daily functioning.

Rates can vary depending on when you measure (shortly after vs months or years later) and individual factors like prior mental health history or support received, but 30% sits between lower and higher estimates and is the most recognized figure in many clinical and educational sources. The other options—10%, 20%, or 50%—either underestimate or overestimate typical prevalence for rape survivors.