Sexual abuse as a factor in anorexia nervosa: evidence from two separate case series

Evidence of a link between reported sexual abuse and specific eating behaviours was considered in 100 anorexic women. The women were assessed as part of case series from two separate clinics. There was a strong association between reported unwanted sexual experiences and purging behaviours (vomiting and/or abusing laxatives). Anorexics who did not purge had lower reported rates of abuse. The pattern and prevalence rate of reported abuse were similar in the two clinics, suggesting that the association was not a product of a specific method of eliciting disclosure. Implications for treatment and possible causal mechanisms behind this relationship are discussed.