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The Relationship Between Trauma and Binge Eating Disorder

Trauma and binge eating disorder (BED) are two complex issues that can be closely related.

Trauma refers to a disturbing event or experience that a person has gone through, while BED is a serious eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating, often accompanied by feelings of guilt, shame, and distress. Trauma can be an underlying factor that triggers the development of BED, and the two can have a significant impact on a person's physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

Trauma can come in many forms, such as physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, neglect, violence, or loss of a loved one. Traumatic events can cause significant psychological distress, leading to a range of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and eating disorders like BED. Trauma can disrupt a person's sense of safety and security and often leads to feelings of powerlessness, fear, and vulnerability. For some individuals, binge eating may serve as a way to cope with these difficult emotions and memories associated with the trauma.

BED is a type of eating disorder that is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating, which is defined as consuming an excessive amount of food in a short period of time, often to the point of discomfort. Individuals with BED may feel out of control during these episodes and experience intense feelings of guilt, shame, and distress afterward. They may also engage in behaviors such as eating alone, hiding food, and eating until feeling sick or uncomfortably full. BED is often associated with feelings of low self-esteem, poor body image, and an overall negative relationship with food.

Research has shown that individuals who have experienced trauma are at a higher risk for developing BED.

One study found that childhood abuse was associated with a higher prevalence of binge eating among women and that women who reported a history of childhood abuse were more likely to have binge eating behaviors than those who did not report abuse. Another study found that individuals with PTSD were more likely to binge eat than those without PTSD and that the severity of PTSD symptoms was associated with the severity of binge eating.

One possible explanation for the relationship between trauma and BED is that binge eating can serve as a coping mechanism for dealing with the distressing emotions associated with trauma. Food can provide a temporary escape from painful memories or feelings, and binge eating may provide a sense of comfort or control for individuals who feel helpless or powerless as a result of the trauma. However, this coping mechanism can become maladaptive and lead to a cycle of binge eating, guilt, shame, and further distress.

Trauma and Brain Chemistry

Another possible explanation is that the experience of trauma can lead to changes in brain chemistry that contribute to the development of BED. Trauma can disrupt the body's stress response system, leading to increased levels of cortisol, a hormone that can increase appetite and cravings for high-calorie, high-fat foods. Trauma can also affect the brain's reward system, leading to changes in dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is involved in the experience of pleasure and reward. These changes in brain chemistry can make it more difficult for individuals to control their eating behaviors and may contribute to the development of BED.

In addition to the potential psychological and physiological factors that link trauma and BED, there may also be societal and cultural factors that play a role. For example, individuals who have experienced trauma may be more likely to face stigma, discrimination, and social isolation, which can contribute to feelings of shame and low self-esteem. These feelings may in turn lead to disordered eating behaviors such as binge eating. Additionally, cultural ideals of thinness and beauty may exacerbate the negative body image and self-esteem issues that often accompany BED, particularly in individuals who have experienced trauma.

Begin Binge Eating Therapy in Pennsylvania

Understanding the effects of past trauma can take longer than one might expect. But, this is why our team of caring therapists is happy to offer support as you work through binge eating recovery. We are happy to offer in-person and online services across Pennsylvania. You can start your therapy journey with Revive Therapy by following these simple steps:

  1. Contact Revive Therapy

  2. Meet with an eating disorder therapist

  3. Start receiving the support you deserve in coping with grief.

Other Therapy Services Offered With Revive Therapy

Our team understands you may be experiencing a variety of mental health concerns in addition to eating disorders. This is why we are happy to offer mental health support including trauma therapy, body image issues, binge eating, and more. We also offer support with EMDR therapy if you’re in need of more specialized care. Additionally, all services are offered via online therapy in Pennsylvania. Feel free to visit our blog to learn more or call now!

Citations

  1. Wonderlich, S.A., Crosby, R.D., Engel, S.G., Mitchell, J.E., Smyth, J., Miltenberger, R., ... & Wittrock, D. (2005). Childhood abuse and risk for later eating disorders. Psychological Bulletin, 131(1), 106-130.

  2. Dohm, F.A., Striegel-Moore, R.H., Wilfley, D.E., Pike, K.M., & Hook, J.M. (2002). Eating disturbances in a community-based sample of female sexual abuse survivors. Journal of Trauma and Dissociation, 3(2), 67-83.

  3. Mason, S.M., Flint, A.J., Roberts, A.L., Agnew-Blais, J.C., Koenen, K.C., & Rich-Edwards, J.W. (2014). Posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and food addiction in women by timing and type of trauma exposure. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 114(7), 1085-