News & Updates

Ms. Irina Moroshko

The Body Image, Eating and Weight Clinical Research Team (BEWT), La Trobe University

Affiliate Authors

Professor Leah Brennan, La Trobe University, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University;

Associate Professor Dr Anita Raspovic, La Trobe University, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University;

 

Individuals with co-existing trauma and eating disorder (ED) demonstrate worse functional impairment and more complex ED illness and treatment course.

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The prevalence rates of lifetime trauma in ED range between 21%-99% depending on the nature of trauma, the ED sub-type, and the population examined. It is commonly agreed that co-existing trauma is relevant to, and should be considered in, the clinical management of ED. A well-established evidence-based guidance regarding the best way to manage these two co-existing conditions is lacking. This makes it difficult for the treating professional to implement an intervention which will adequately address both conditions safely and effectively. As a result, many ED clinicians avoid addressing trauma in ED treatment.

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The PhD program will examine the state of research regarding co-existing trauma and ED (Study 1) and the treatment for these co-existent conditions (Study 2). Study 3 will capture the clinicians’ and clients’ perspectives on the treatment for co-existing trauma-ED. An integrated trauma-ED treatment protocol, combining therapy for both conditions, will be developed and tested (Study 4). Overall program findings will enhance the understanding of the trauma-ED intersection and inform intervention development research and clinical practice.