Inpatients experiences about the impact of traumatic stress on eating behaviors: an exploratory focus group study

Abstract

Background Unhealthy changes in eating behavior among people experiencing trauma have been observed. There is, however, a lack of in-depth knowledge regarding the impact of the after effects of traumatic life experiences on eating behavior. Because eating behavior represents important components for promotion and maintenance of good health throughout life, this study aimed to explore inpatients’ lived experiences of the impact of traumatic stress on eating behavior. Method Thirteen female and two male inpatients (age range 28–62 years), recruited from a psychiatric clinic in Norway, participated in this qualitative explorative focus group study. The data analysis was performed using systematic text condensation. Results The results in the present study describe the participants’ experiences about the impact of traumatic stress on their eating behavior. Their discussions and descriptions disclosed problems that could be summarized into four main themes: “experiencing eating behaviors as coping strategies”; “experiencing being addicted to food and sweets”; “experiencing eating behaviors controlled by stress and emotions”; and “experiencing lack of appetite and reduced capacity to plan and prepare meals”. Conclusion Traumatic stress can impact eating behavior in several complex ways that over time may cause adverse health consequences. The results add to an important understanding of changes in eating behavior that might appear in people struggling to cope with the after effects of traumatic life experiences to the existing literature. To better understand the complexity of how traumatic experiences may impact eating behavior, this knowledge is important and useful for health professionals offering support to those who experience struggling with eating behavior after traumatic experiences.

The integrated treatment of eating disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, and psychiatric comorbidity: a commentary on the evolution of principles and guidelines

“…However, it is essential that hope continue to live eternal while the odds of attaining desired goals are evaluated. The lived experiences of patients with ED + PTSD, particularly those with severe and enduring eating disorders, should be carefully considered in light of what is and is not known about long-term outcome data (259)(260)(261)(262)(263)(264)(265)(266)(267)(268)(269)(270). Despite the availability in some locations of euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide for so-called "terminal anorexia, " it is my and others' opinion that this course of action not be considered a possible option (263,(271)(272)(273), while palliative care may be indicated and considered (274).…”

The impact of PTSD on risk of cardiometabolic diseases: a national patient cohort study in Norway

“…If environmental challenges exceed the individual's ability to cope, there is an allostatic overload , which might involve consequences such as low SES, poor sleep, physical inactivity, smoking, alcohol consumption and unhealthy eating [ 28 ], which in turn can lead to poor health outcomes. For example, in a recent qualitative study [ 10 ], trauma exposed inpatients described how traumatic stress impacted their eating behaviors, and for some, consumption of food and snacks with high amounts of sugar, salt and saturated fat.…”

“…The pathogenesis of cardiometabolic diseases in people with PTSD is complex, consisting of biological, psychosocial and behavioural factors (e.g., eating behavior, physical inactivity and smoking) [ 9 ]. For example, traumatic stress might impact eating behavior [ 10 ], that over time can cause adverse health consequences. Koenen, et al .…”

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