Bulimia Nervosa

Main features of bulimia nervosa:

• Episodes of binge eating (rapid consumption of a large amount of food in short period of time)
• A feeling of lack of control over eating behavior
• Self-induced vomiting
• Use of laxatives and diuretics
• Dieting, fasting or strict exercise program to prevent weight gain
• Persistent over concern with body shape and weight
• Preoccupation with and constant concern about food and/or weight
• Severe self criticism
• Self worth determined by weight
• Frequent bathroom visits after meals
• Dietary restriction when eating in public
• Impulsivity (with alcohol, spending, decision making, relationships)

Physical consequences of bulimia nervosa:

• Electrolyte imbalance, with cardiac and kidney dysfunction which may result from purging
• Difficulty concentrating on tasks, mood swings due to chemical imbalance
• Swollen glands, puffiness in the cheeks, or broken blood vessels under the eyes
• Unexplained tooth decay and gum problems
• Complaints of sore throat Scarring or red abrasions on top of hands or knuckles
• Chest pain, muscle cramps, fatigue

Bulimia nervosa most often begins in late adolescence or young adulthood and 90-95 per cent of people with bulimia are women. It is possible that there are more men with bulimia and that they may be less likely to seek treatment. Men and women involved in sports, dance, modeling or other activities that emphasize thinness represent a high-risk group to develop bulimia. Bulimia nervosa is most commonly associated with bingeing and may or may not be accompanied by purging behaviors (self-induced vomiting or the misuse of laxatives, diuretics and enemas.)

A person with bulimia may also fast or exercise to lose weight, is often at a normal weight and may ultimately gain weight. A continuous cycle of bingeing and purging slows down the body's metabolism. During a binge, the body absorbs fat and calories, thereby increasing the likelihood of gaining weight. The binge-purge cycle often begins at transition points of independence (such as changing high school, leaving for college, moving away from home) when stress is high and there may be no other outlets for emotional conflict and tension. A high rate of bulimic behaviors has been reported among college women (17 per cent or more of all college women).

Complications that lead to death are less common in bulimia but if treatment is not pursued, bulimia can become a lifelong progressive disorder in which more and more of a person's daily activities and thought are oriented around food. Treatment for bulimia nervosa is similar to that of anorexia nervosa and should be specific to the needs of the individual. Treatment may occur in an inpatient program, and in individual or group psychotherapy. Medication has been shown to lessen the number of binge episodes and reduce the depression associated with bulimia. Therapists may use a number of approaches that include cognitive behavioral interventions, family therapy, psychodynamic or expressive art therapies.

Source: Sheena's Place