Bulimia
Bulimia nervosa is a disorder characterized by binge eating, AKA stuffing your face beyond normal amounts.These binge episodes are followed by compensatory behaviors, the most common of which is forcefully making yourself vomit. As gross as it sounds, when you desperate and you have disordered eating, you'll do anything to undo your mistake. Other compensatory behaviors can include laxative abuse (which is extremely dangerous, by the way) as well as over exercising, and fasting. However, 75% of bulimics go the forceful vomiting route.
What causes bulimia nervosa?
Just like anorexia there is no known cause to bulimia. Often times, it can develop if the person has had a weight problem, or a love/hate relationship with food. I still believe eating disorders are simply the sum of neurological, genetic, and personality traits combined with the right (or wrong) circumstances. Usually when the person purges they're trying to compensate for having given in (to eating) or feel guilty for eating so much.
What are the signs and symptoms of bulimia nervosa?
Bulimia can be hard to detect but easy to suspect. With bulimia, the person can actually end up gaining weight instead of losing, so the weight issue isn't a very tell-tale sign in all cases. Some of the signs are listed below.
* Frequently gorging themselves or eating excessive amounts of food in a short period of time.
* Excusing themselves to the restroom (or somewhere else) after eating.
* Scars forming on the knuckles of the hand they use to purge.
* Extremely rapid tooth decay.
What treatments are available for bulimia nervosa?
The majority of patients who actually seek treatment are treated in an outpatient therapy fashion, however if their medical condition requires immediate attention, they may hospitalized to recieve emergency medical care and to facilitate a more rapid weight gain. Some patients are placed into a psychiatric hospital setting (either voluntarily or involuntarily). A psychiatric hospital provides intense counseling, as well as addressing physical issues. Hospitalization isn't easy and can be quite frightening. Having been there several times, I can definitely say it's not something to take lightly and definitely not something to do unless you are completely ready.
Published by Samantha Van Vleet - Featured Contributor in Health & Wellness and Lifestyle
Samantha Van Vleet is a birth doula, postpartum doula, childbirth educator and third year pre-medical student. She, her husband and her three children reside in southcentral Alaska. She is actively involved... View profile
- Bulimia Nervosa: What is It?A detailed discussion of Bulimia Nervosa and its DSM-IV criteria.
- Bulimia Nervosa Testimonials of RecoveryBulimia Nervosa is a long term disease. Recovery is often a hard and a long process with its ups and downs. That is why bulimia nervosa testimonials of recovery are interesting to read.
- Repairing Teeth After Recovering from Bulimia NervosaThe effects bulimia nervosa has on teeth. Tips for prevention and restoration in both the active and recovering phases.
- Dieting? it Could Already Be Bulimia Nervosa!If you are flushing out excessive food that you have taken in, it's not merely a diet strategy anymore. You could be bulimic already and suffering from bulimia nervosa!
- Is Bulimia Nervosa an ADHD Comorbid Disorder?Several studies have linked bulimia nervosa with ADHD. Are the two disorders merely correlated, or does one cause the other?
- Bulimia Nervosa: How Women Abuse Their Bodies to Achieve that Ultra Thin Look!
- Cause of Bulimia Nervosa
- Living with Bulimia Nervosa
- Bulimia Nervosa a Dangerous Disorder
- Bulimia Nervosa: A Lifestyle Choice
- Eating Disorders: Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa
- Bulimia Nervosa: Symptoms and Treatment Options
- Bulimics are not always thin and may carry additional weight.
- Bulimics are at more of a risk for heart attacks and electrolyte imbalances.