Eating Disorders, PTSD/Complex PTSD and Dissociation: Clinical Research Perspectives - Part 1

Organised by the Trauma & Eating Disorders Special Interest Group

About this event

The presenter combines his 40 plus years of clinical research experience and knowledge of the relevant peer-reviewed scientific literature to present a synthesis that supports the major premises of this 2-part talk. In part 1, Dr. Brewerton will contend that individuals with EDs have high rates of child maltreatment, other traumas (especially interpersonal traumas) and trauma-related comorbid disorders, including PTSD, complex PTSD (CPTSD), the dissociative subtype of PTSD (DPTSD), dissociative disorders (DDs), as well as mood, anxiety, substance use, and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorders. The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) pyramid and its purported mechanisms through which child maltreatment and other forms of interpersonal violence influence the health and well-being of individuals who develop EDs throughout the life span will be reviewed. Relevant findings on PTSD/CPTSD/DPTSD/DDs will be highlighted when applicable. At every level of the pyramid, it will be shown that EDs interact with each of these interwoven mechanisms in a bidirectional manner that contributes to the predisposition, precipitation and perpetuation of EDs and related medical and psychiatric comorbidities, which then predispose to morbidity and early death.