The prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder and its relation to childhood adversity in subjects with eating disorders

Abstract

The prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its relation to childhood adversity and Axis I psychiatric disorders was assessed in a clinical population of 164 eating disorders patients. Eleven per cent (18/164) had a lifetime history of PTSD. There was no difference in the prevalence of PTSD between the subgroups of eating disorders. Higher prevalences of PTSD symptoms were found in those who had a history of childhood sexual abuse (23 per cent versus 9 per cent; p < 0.05), discord in the home (16 per cent versus 6 per cent; p < 0.05) and high parental control (44 per cent versus 6 per cent; p < 0.001). Higher rates of life-time comorbidity of other Axis I disorders in PTSD sufferers was only found for anxiety disorders (67 per cent versus 39 per cent, p < 0.03). Possible mechanisms linking childhood experiences to PTSD are discussed.