Presented by special guest, Carolyn Coker Ross, MD, MPH, CEDS
Research consistently links trauma—including historical and race-based trauma—to eating disorders (ED) and substance use disorders (SUD). Studies underscore the significance of evaluating trauma and PTSD in the treatment of ED and SUD. Early childhood trauma can influence the brain’s neural circuitry, fostering traits like compulsivity, impulsivity, and emotional instability, which are foundational to both ED and SUD. Our understanding of trauma has evolved, shedding light on its varied forms and its neural impacts. Research on families of Holocaust survivors, Native populations, and African-Americans reveals that trauma effects can be transmitted to subsequent generations via epigenetic changes, influencing the risk for ED and SUD. Recognizing and addressing trauma and PTSD is crucial; without this, treatment for ED and SUD often fails, resulting in higher relapse rates.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will be able to understand the various ways in which trauma, abuse, and neglect can foster the development of eating disorders and substance use disorders.
- Participants will be able to describe the specific effects of trauma, abuse and neglect on the brain
- Participants will be able to list 3 treatments that are geared towards improving cognition, impulsivity and recovery from trauma.
- Participants will be able to describe how insecure attachment can result from trauma.
- Participants will be able to describe prenatal stressors that can affect neurodevelopment.
