ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES IN RELATIONSHIP WITH EATING DISORDERS

Studies indicate that patients with eating disorders report a history of childhood adverse experiences more frequently than the general population. Childhood abuse is reported by a significant proportion of people with eating disorders, with recent research highlighting other forms of child abuse, such as physical and emotional abuse, which may have consequences for later adult health. The association between childhood traumas and eating behaviors is very complex, leading to an increase in body mass index, obesity, metabolic and mental disorders. Bullying is a common childhood experience, with long-term psychosocial consequences and affecting eating behavior. Moreover, parental divorce and parental bonding have been implicated as important risks factors for eating disorders. In conclusion, it may be clinically useful to consider all abusive experiences in the evaluation of patients with eating disorders. Also, recognizing all these facts provides a clear opportunity for early intervention which may help prevent the development of eating disorders in traumatized people.