Canadian researchers from the University of Toronto released info on a study that looks at the impact physical abuse as a child plays in developing chronic illnesses like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Irritable Bowel Syndrome or Fibromyalgia.

“Women who reported they had been physically abused as children have twice the odds of chronic fatigue syndrome and multiple chemical sensitivities, and 65 per cent higher odds of fibromyalgia” says lead investigator Professor Esme Fuller-Thomson

This is interesting as my mom developed Fibromyalgia as she got older & she had a very abusive childhood. My own childhood was full of stress, anxiety & occasionally physical abuse. I am not sure how much this may have impacted my developing Irritable Bowel Syndrome as I feel I got IBS after becoming physically ill, possibly from swimming in a contaminated river. Also I am male & this study was based on female participants, but I doubt males are really less susceptible to the consequences of physical violence.

The study does suggest that the psychological impacts of physical abuse may greatly affect the chances of someone developing one of these chronic illnesses.

Study Press Release