Medical Trauma and the Roots of Eating Disorders

Key points

Medical trauma often drives people to seek control through food and routine.

Chronic invalidation can disrupt hunger, fullness, and self-trust.

Trauma-informed care helps rebuild safety and connection with the body.

Migraines , irritable bowel syndrome, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) are not just medical conditions. For many, they mark the beginning of a fractured relationship with the healthcare system, one defined by dismissal, invalidation, and years of unanswered questions. These experiences of being unheard or misdiagnosed can leave lasting emotional imprints, shaping how people relate to their bodies and, in some cases, to food itself.

Medical Trauma

Medical trauma occurs when encounters with the healthcare system leave a lasting imprint of fear , shame