Psychological Trauma as a Risk Factor for Eating Disorders

The aim of this chapter is to provide a comprehensive overview of psychological trauma as a risk factor for eating disorders (EDs). In addition to summarizing research on the association between psychological trauma and EDs, potential mechanisms and clinical implications are reviewed. The role of trauma-related symptoms and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in ED development and maintenance are described, and implications for treatment are discussed. In summary, findings from this review support that there is a significant association between childhood trauma exposure and EDs and indicate that associations may be strongest among binge/purge symptom presentations and may vary across development periods. Trauma exposure in ED populations is also associated with more severe ED symptoms, psychiatric comorbidity, and possibly, poorer treatment response. Finally, trauma-related symptoms or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are highly implicated in the trauma-ED association and point to additional considerations for effective treatment.