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Is there a specific trauma precipitating anorexia nervosa?
U Schmidt1, J Tiller, M Blanchard
1Institute of Psychiatry and Royal Holloway, University of London.
Psychological Medicine
|May 1, 1997
Summary
Life events and difficulties commonly precede anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. However, sexual difficulties specifically trigger anorexia nervosa onset in patients.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Eating Disorders Research
Background:
- Investigating the role of life events and difficulties in the onset of eating disorders.
- Examining the specific impact of sexual difficulties on anorexia nervosa development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the connection between life events and the onset of anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN).
- To determine if sexual difficulties are a specific trigger for AN onset.
Main Methods:
- Assessed 72 AN and 29 BN patients using the Life Events and Difficulties Schedule.
- Developed and utilized a 'pudicity' dimension to measure the specific meaning of life events.
- Compared patient data with two community control groups.
Main Results:
- Both AN and BN patients experienced more major difficulties than controls in the year prior to onset.
- Common stresses for AN and BN involved close relationships; BN patients were more often directly involved in interpersonal events.
- Anorexia nervosa patients reported significantly more 'pudicity' events than BN patients or controls.
Conclusions:
- Serious life stresses frequently precede the onset of AN and BN.
- Sexual difficulties appear to be a specific trigger for the onset of anorexia nervosa.