C-PTSD and Eating Disorders

As a relatively new and still poorly recognized concept, few people come to therapy identifying as suffering from Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD). As a rule, a diagnosis of C-PTSD comes only after the process of self-discovery in therapy has begun. When people suffering from C-PTSD are referred to a therapist, or decide to seek help for themselves, it is usually because they are seeking help for one of its symptoms, including dissociative episodes, problems forming relationships, and alcohol or substance abuse. One of the more common issues that leads to the discovery of C-PTSD is the presence of an eating disorder, including anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating. In this article, I will explore some of the reasons why C-PTSD often manifests itself in the form of an eating disorder and what this means for successful therapy. The impact of trauma on body-image and the victim’s relationship to food As I have discussed in previous articles, C-PTSD is similar to the better known and more thoroughly studied diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, but — as the the name suggests — is more ‘complex’. This complexity refers both to its origin and its effects. C-PTSD is the result, not of a small number of dramatic events, but rather a prolonged series of abusive events, which take place as part of a asymmetric relationship, often during childhood at the hands of a parent or stepparent. People suffering from C-PTSD show many of the the same symptoms...
Source: Psych Central - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Tags: Addictions Anorexia Binge Eating Bulimia Eating Disorders Loneliness Psychology PTSD Trauma Treatment affect regulation Bingeing Body Image C-PTSD Child Abuse child neglect Childhood Trauma complex posttraumatic stress di Source Type: news