Trauma & Disordered Eating in Adolescents: A Review

Abstract

Purpose of Review: Trauma exposure is common, with more than half of children and adolescents experiencing at least one traumatic event prior to adulthood. Although diagnoses of eating disorders are less prevalent, the majority of adolescents report engaging in disordered eating behaviors. The association between childhood trauma exposure and disordered eating behaviors has been well documented in adults, however, less is known about this association in adolescents. This review summarizes the literature that exists on the adolescent population. Recent Findings: Multiple large-scale studies have demonstrated that adolescents who have been exposed to trauma are more likely to engage in disordered eating behaviors. This association was shown to exist in both sexes, although there appears to be a higher prevalence reported in girls. There do not appear to be significant racial or cultural factors that contribute to this association. The experience of sexual trauma, increased trauma severity, and repeat victimization confer an increased risk of engaging in disordered eating behaviors. There are multiple mediators that play a role in the development of disordered eating following a traumatic experience.