Early traumatic experiences impair the functioning of both components of the endogenous stress response system in adult people with eating disorders.

•Childhood trauma affect the functioning of the endogenous stress response system in the adulthood.•Childhood sexual, physical and emotional abuse or neglect are more frequent in eating disorders patients than in general population.•Women with EDs exposed to childhood trauma exhibit impaired morning salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase secretion.•Adult ED patients with childhood trauma have a potential vulnerability to deal with stressors.