Is there a link between traumatic experiences and self-injurious behaviors in eating-disordered patients?
To find out more about the relationship between the presence of self-injurious behavior (SIB) and a history of traumatic experiences, we studied this link in 70 patients with an eating disorder (ED). The sample showed a high frequency of SIB (38.6%), particularly in patients with bulimia nervosa. We also found high percentages of self-reported experiences of physical (32.3%) and sexual abuse (47.7%). The presence of SIB turned out to be associated with a history of physical and/or sexual abuse. Patients who had suffered interpersonal abuse before the age of 15 were more likely to develop self-destructive behaviors. In line with other investigations, we found that high levels of dissociation and self-criticism differentiated sexually abused ED patients with SIB from those without SIB. We discuss some clinical implications of our findings, with suggestions for treatment.
Claes
Laurence
L
Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belguim. laurence.claes@psy.kuleuven.be
Vandereycken
Walter
W
D000328:Adult; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015995:Prevalence; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires