How Eating Disorders Relate to Trauma and PTSD
Eating disorders are complex mental illnesses caused by an unknown combination of genetic, psychological, and sociocultural risk factors. One important factor that often contributes to the development of eating disorders is the experience of trauma. In an attempt to regulate the negative emotions and intrusive thoughts associated with trauma or PTSD, many individuals engage in maladaptive coping mechanisms such as disordered eating behaviors in order to regain a sense of control over their emotions and environment. Thus, the likelihood that an individual who has endured a traumatic event will develop an eating disorder is high.
by: Amanda Nussbaum
While eating disorders involve an unhealthy relationship with food, exercise, and body image, they often co-exist with other mental health disorders. Two co-existing disorders seen in individuals with eating disorders are trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
People who experience trauma have often been involved in or witnessed a terribly disturbing event that negatively impacted their emotional or physical health. Trauma may stem from a single occasion or a series of events and can occur at any stage of life. Some types of trauma include accidents, abuse, bullying, violence, abandonment, natural disasters, illness, or death.
Trauma, in turn, can lead to the development of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that occurs in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. Although PTSD often originates from a traumatic event, not everyone with trauma will develop PTSD. People suffering from PTSD often experience flashbacks, thoughts, or dreams about the particular event which cause them to feel as if they are living through the event again. As a result, PTSD may cause people to avoid certain people or places that remind them of a traumatic experience.
Similar to eating disorders, trauma and PTSD can deteriorate one’s health and interfere with daily life. People suffering with these co-existing disorders may resort to dangerous habits as a way to cope with their feelings. For example, people with an eating disorder and PTSD may share similar emotions and behaviors, such as having a poor body image and self-esteem, difficulty sleeping, avoiding social functions, or feeling angry, guilty, or shameful. People will often develop distorted eating habits and patterns after experiencing trauma as a way to deal with or forget the intensity of the event and attempt to control their emotions.
Studies show that there is a correlation between eating disorders, trauma, and PTSD. According to the Center for Discovery, it is more common for people with Bulimia or Binge Eating Disorder to have experienced trauma or have PTSD. Bingeing and purging can serve as a coping mechanism to try and forget the emotions and thoughts associated with a traumatic event. Similarly, individuals with Anorexia Nervosa may restrict their calories to feel a sense of power and control over their emotions. Eating disorders often relate to trauma and PTSD. In fact, about 37-40% of women with Bulimia, 21-26% with Binge Eating Disorder, and 15% with Anorexia show PTSD signs. About 75% of people in an eating disorder residential treatment center have experienced trauma, while approximately 50% have expressed indicators of PTSD. In addition, about 30% of people with eating disorders have been sexually abused. Statistics also show there is also a strong likelihood that men with Bulimia or Binge Eating Disorder have experienced PTSD.
Because these co-existing disorders have similar risk factors and behavioral similarities, these disorders should be treated simultaneously since people may resort to unhealthy behaviors as a way of coping with their pain. Treatment options may consist of therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to address and evaluate a patient’s nutritional, medical, psychological, and behavioral needs to help them better manage their emotions. CBT helps to identify and process feelings and trauma, while also teaching healthy behaviors. Prolonged exposure therapy is a type of CBT where people talk about their trauma and the feelings they associate with it. DBT, on the other hand, equips patients with different skills to handle the emotions and impulsive behaviors caused by an eating disorder, trauma, or PTSD. Another therapy is art therapy or yoga, which is relaxing and beneficial as well. Eye movement sensitization and reprocessing, or EDMR, is yet another therapy. It allows patients to use eye movements to help them understand and process their trauma.
BALANCE eating disorder treatment center treats the spectrum of eating disorders, including Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating Disorder, compulsive overeating, and other distorted eating behaviors and body image issues. Currently, we are offering a range of virtual programs and services which involve nutrition counseling, eating disorder therapy, and meal support. BALANCE offers clients four distinct levels of care to meet their specific treatment needs, including a day program, weeknight program, step-down groups, and individual nutrition services. BALANCE is proud to offer an array of free and low-cost virtual webinars and resources to help those struggling with eating disorders, distorted eating, and body image concerns. Click the button below to learn more about our virtual programs and services.
This post was written by BALANCE Blog Intern, Amanda Nussbaum.
Amanda is a recent graduate of Ramapo College, where she majored in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. She enjoys being creative, writing, and editing videos, and is passionate about health, wellness, and lifestyle. Throughout college, Amanda volunteered with the Girls on the Run organization, which helps young girls develop a positive self-esteem. She also mentored a young girl through Ramapo College’s chapter of Big Brother, Big Sister. Amanda’s involvement in these organizations helped her realize that she wants to work for a company that has an impact on others, while still being creative with marketing. In the future, Amanda hopes to work in the marketing or communications department of an organization that focuses on teenagers and young adults, and their health and self-confidence. She enjoys contributing to the BALANCE blog!