As a trauma-informed dietitian, I recognise that people often have many different types of trauma in their lives. It has traditionally been viewed that the role of the Dietitian is very separate to that of the therapist, but what we are now understanding is that nutrition-related concerns, eating behaviours and mental health are inextricably linked. I aim to create a safe and unthreatening environment for my patients.
Not many people seeking help for their disordered eating realise that
they may have underlying Complex-Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
C-PTSD is the result of a prolonged series of abusive or distressing events, often during childhood, but they can also occur at anytime in life. People suffering from C-PTSD show many of the the same symptoms as victims of PTSD, but on top of this, they suffer from deeper, more complex symptoms
including prolonged anxiety and depression, memory loss of events, negative self-image, problems controlling emotions, relationship problems, and finding it hard to connect with other people.
Logic and 'common sense' can be shrouded by panic, anxiety, fear and anger. Consciously restricting food can be a way to reassert control over life, give a sense of achievement, relief from feelings of mental anguish, and a way of 'staying small' and vulnerable.
Psychotherapy with a trained therapist can be fundamental to treatment of C-PTSD and therefore the eating disorder. Everyone responds differently to trauma and, therefore, to trauma therapy, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
Evidence and research based therapy options include:
Trauma-focused therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
Prolonged exposure therapy (PE)
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