Eating disorders are complex mental health disorders that are often characterized by extreme and unhealthy eating behaviors. These behaviors can include restricting food intake, binge eating, and purging, among others. While there are many factors that can contribute to the development of an eating disorder, one significant factor is trauma.

Trauma can take many forms, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, neglect, witnessing violence or disasters, and experiencing other types of significant life events that are overwhelming and difficult to process. Trauma can have a profound impact on a person’s mental health, including their relationship with food and their body.

In this article, we will explore the connection between trauma and eating disorders, including how trauma can contribute to the development of an eating disorder and how to recognize the signs of trauma-related eating disorders.

The Role of Trauma in Eating Disorders

Trauma can have a significant impact on a person’s relationship with food and their body. Traumatic experiences can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and low self-esteem, which can manifest as disordered eating behaviors. For some individuals, these behaviors can become a way of coping with their emotions and the trauma they have experienced.

For example, someone who has experienced sexual abuse may turn to food as a way of coping with their trauma. They may overeat or binge as a way of numbing their emotions or as a way of feeling a sense of control over their body when they otherwise feel powerless. Alternatively, someone who has experienced neglect or emotional abuse may develop anorexia or other restrictive eating disorders as a way of regaining control over their body and their life.

Trauma can also impact a person’s body image and their perception of their body. For example, someone who has experienced physical abuse or trauma may feel disconnected from their body or experience feelings of disgust or shame about their body. This can lead to body dysmorphia or other body image issues, which can contribute to the development of an eating disorder.

Signs of Trauma-Related Eating Disorders

There are several signs that someone may be struggling with a trauma-related eating disorder.

These include:

• Obsession with weight and body shape: Someone with a trauma-related eating disorder may become preoccupied with their weight, body shape, and appearance. They may feel that controlling their weight and appearance is a way to feel more in control of their life, or they may associate their body with the trauma they have experienced. This can lead to unhealthy eating behaviors such as restrictive dieting, excessive exercising, or purging.
• Secretive behavior around food: Individuals with a trauma-related eating disorder may develop secretive behavior around food as a way of hiding their disordered eating habits. They may hide food, eat alone, or avoid social situations that involve food. They may also feel ashamed or embarrassed about their eating behaviors and try to conceal them from others.
• Compulsive behaviors around food: Someone with a trauma-related eating disorder may engage in compulsive behaviors around food, such as obsessively counting calories, weighing themselves multiple times a day, or tracking their food intake. These behaviors can become a way of coping with anxiety or distress related to the trauma they have experienced.
• Low self-esteem: Individuals who have experienced trauma may struggle with low self-esteem and negative self-image, which can contribute to the development of an eating disorder. They may feel unworthy, unlovable, or inadequate, and may use disordered eating behaviors as a way of coping with these negative feelings.
• Mood swings and emotional instability: Trauma can impact a person’s emotional regulation, leading to mood swings and emotional instability, which can manifest as disordered eating behaviors. Individuals with a trauma-related eating disorder may experience intense emotions, such as anxiety, depression, anger, or shame, which can trigger disordered eating behaviors.

It’s important to note that while these signs may indicate a trauma-related eating disorder, they can also be present in other types of eating disorders or mental health conditions. Therefore, it’s crucial to seek a professional evaluation from a mental health specialist if you or someone you know is displaying these symptoms. Early detection and intervention can improve the chances of recovery and prevent the condition from worsening.

Treatment for Trauma-Related Eating Disorders

There are several types of therapy that can be effective in treating trauma-related eating disorders, and it’s important to find a therapy approach that fits the individual’s specific needs and preferences. Some of the most common types of therapy used to treat trauma-related eating disorders include:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a form of talk therapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that are contributing to the individual’s disordered eating behaviors. In CBT, individuals learn coping strategies and problem-solving skills to help them manage their emotions and respond to triggers in a healthier way.
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): DBT is a type of therapy that combines elements of CBT with mindfulness techniques and skills training. DBT can be particularly helpful for individuals with trauma-related eating disorders who struggle with emotional regulation, as it helps them learn how to tolerate intense emotions and develop healthy coping strategies.
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR is a therapy approach that uses guided eye movements to help individuals process traumatic memories and reduce the distress associated with them. EMDR has been shown to be effective in treating PTSD and other trauma-related disorders, and may be helpful in treating trauma-related eating disorders as well.
• Brainspotting (BSP): BSP is a therapeutic technique that helps individuals process and heal from trauma by accessing and resolving traumatic memories stored in the brain. It involves using eye positioning to locate and focus on specific points in the individual’s visual field that correlate with areas of the brain where trauma is stored. In addition, recent studies suggest that brainspotting can also be helpful in addressing eating disorders. Eating disorders often have underlying emotional or psychological factors that contribute to their development, and trauma is a common trigger for these conditions. By targeting the areas of the brain where traumatic memories are stored, brainspotting can help individuals process and release the emotions that may be contributing to their disordered eating behaviors. Brainspotting can also help individuals develop greater self-awareness and insight into their eating habits, allowing them to identify and address the underlying emotional and psychological factors that may be contributing to their disordered eating behaviors.
• Psychodynamic therapy: Psychodynamic therapy is a form of talk therapy that focuses on exploring the individual’s unconscious thoughts and emotions in order to gain insight into the underlying causes of their disordered eating behaviors. Psychodynamic therapy may be particularly helpful for individuals who have experienced complex trauma, as it can help them gain a deeper understanding of how their past experiences are impacting their present behavior.
• Group therapy: Group therapy can be an effective way for individuals with trauma-related eating disorders to connect with others who have had similar experiences and receive support and validation. Group therapy may also provide a sense of community and belonging that can be helpful in the recovery process.

It’s important to note that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and individuals may need to try several different types of therapy before finding an approach that works for them. It’s also important for individuals with trauma-related eating disorders to work with a therapist who has experience and training in treating both trauma and eating disorders.

Conclusion

Trauma can have a significant impact on a person’s relationship with food and their body, and can contribute to the development of an eating disorder. Understanding the connection between trauma and eating disorders is important in order to recognize the signs and symptoms of trauma-related eating disorders and provide effective treatment.

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder or has experienced trauma, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional who specializes in treating eating disorders and trauma. Recovery is possible with the right treatment and support, and no one should have to suffer alone.