Sexual abuse antecedent to anorexia nervosa,bulimia, and compulsive overeating: Three case reports

This paper examines the role of childhood sexual abuse antecedent to anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and compulsive overeating. Three case reports are used to illustrate the development of eating disorders in the context of sexual abuse. Implications are discussed in terms of the need for professionals to develop sensitivity to this potential antecedent in order to apply appropriate intervention strategies with sexual abuse victims seeking treatment for an eating disorder.