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.