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.
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