A case-control study of potentially traumatic events in Mexican individuals with eating disorders

We examined associations between potentially traumatic events (PTEs) and lifetime eating disorders (EDs) in the Eating Disorders Genetics Initiative-Mexico [EDGI-MX; N = 298; 174 cases, 124 controls, ages 13-78 years (M = 28.9 SD = 11.3), 81% cisgender women]. ED diagnoses and symptoms were from an online questionnaire capturing DSM-5 diagnoses via algorithm; PTEs were assessed with the Life Events Checklist for DSM-5; and depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptoms with validated self-report measures. Logistic regressions and analyses of covariance were adjusted for age and gender. PTEs were reported by 75% of cases and 53% of controls (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.04, 6.62), including fire/explosions (13.6; 1.30, 141.76), transportation accident (2.1; 1.13, 4.06), serious accidents (10.0; 2.03, 49.64), sexual assault (5.9; 2.57, 13.91), other uncomfortable sexual experiences (3.2; 1.68, 6.41), and other stressful event (4.3; 1.95, 9.76). Although PTEs were not significantly associated with greater depression, anxiety, or OC symptoms in cases, these co-occurring symptoms may still be relevant clinically. Results highlight the importance of assessing PTEs in Mexican individuals with EDs and encourage exploration of timing of PTE exposure to clarify their role in ED development and course.