For many people with an eating disorder, history matters. Their personal history, that is. While there are a number of potential factors involved in eating disorders, one of the risks for an eating disorder is a history of past abuse.
Remuda Programs for Eating Disorders, an eating disorder treatment center, reports that more than 50 percent of its patients have experienced trauma in their lives. The trauma is
usually sexual, physical and emotional abuse. "Forty-nine percent of our patients have experienced childhood sexual abuse," said Amy Spahr, clinical director at Remuda Programs for Eating Disorders. "This is about 20 percent higher than in the general population. Additionally, in the last five years, 11 percent of adolescent and 20
percent of adult patients were diagnosed with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
(PTSD)."
Research has shown that childhood sexual abuse increases binge-eating, purging, restricting calories, body shame and body dissatisfaction. Eating disorders become a way of helping victims cope with shame. They feel they may need to modify their body in ways that reduce shame or distress. For example, a woman suffering from trauma and an eating disorder may wish to reduce her breast size in order to appear less feminine and therefore, less appealing to men because of her past sexual abuse.
However, for people with eating disorders, history is not destiny. It is possible to develop a healthy relationship with food and with one’s own body.
More Information
Looking for Treatment? Call 1-877-211-5188 Anytime
If you or a loved one is suffering from an eating disorder and need help entering into recovery then please call 1-877-211-5188 anytime and we can help you with treatment and recovery options.
Find a Treatment Facility Near You
Click on a state below to find eating disorder treatment options that could be right for you.
The Eating Disorder Support Groups at SupportGroups.com is for individuals, friends and families who are looking to connect during life's challenging times. Share personal experiences, evaluate information and get support during times of need, illness, treatment or recovery.
Related Resources
Mental-health-matters.com: Eating Disorder History
Web4health.info: Eating Disorder History
Addictions.net: Eating Disorder History
Related Articles
Eating Disorder Causes
Eating Disorder Quiz
Eating Disorder Treatment
Videos
Metacafe.com: Eating Disorder History
Books
Amazon: Eating Disorder History
News
Google News: Eating Disorder History
Blogs
Blog: Eating Disorder History
