Experiences of physical and sexual abuse in Australian general practice attenders and an eating disordered population.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the reported rates of child physical and sexual abuse experienced by hospitalised eating disordered patients compared to a control group of women attending general practitioners.

METHOD: A retrospective survey using the self-report Finkelhor Sexual Life Events Inventory and clinical reports.

RESULTS

Nearly one-half of eating disordered patients reported a history of child sexual abuse and one-quarter reported child physical abuse. These rates were significantly higher than those reported by the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Direct questioning regarding trauma histories is warranted when assessing patients with eating disorders and attention to such issues should be incorporated into the total management plan.