Question by bob’s aunty: Could having an eating disorder (bulimia) for 3 years be considered psychological “trauma”?

Best answer:

Answer by Cydney
If you are questioning whether it would meet the criteria for PTSD…then my answer should help, if not, I don’t understand what you’re asking.

Let’s start with the definition: “PTSD may result when a person suffers an event or situation that is outside the range of normal experience, exceeds the individual’s perceived ability to meet its demands, and poses a serious threat to the loss of life.”
1. Situation outside of range of “normal” experiences – yes, bulimia fits this criteria. It is not ‘normal’ for someone to engage in bingeing and purging for 3 years.
2. Exceeding individual’s perceived ability to meet demands – yes, if the cycle of b/p continues for a length of time (3 years for example) and gets progresssively worse, and if the individual is unable to handle the situation alone (recover easily – evident you have not had the ability).
3. Posing a serious threat to life – yes. stomach rupture, electrolyte embalance, dehydration, etc can all lead to death. Also, if you’ve experienced purging blood (this is a perceived fear, qualifying it itself for a trauma). Another thing, if you’ve had suicidal thoughts/attempts related to your disorder (ex. you couldn’t purge so you became suicidal) that qualifys you for having a trauma as well.

So yes, bulimia can contribute to a form of PTSD – I’m not saying that everyone with bulimia can develop PTSD as it does depend on the person and circumstances.

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Tags: bulimia, considered, Could, disorder, eating, having, psychological, Trauma, years