Bulimia Nervosa - Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Bulimia Nervosa also called is bulimia. Bulimia is one of the most common eating disorders. People are preoccupied with their weight and shape, often judging themselves severely and harshly for perceived flaws. It can occur together with other psychiatric disorders such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, substance dependence, or self-injurious behavior. Binge eating is defined as the consumption of excessively large amounts of food within a short period of time. The food is often sweet, high in calories, and has a texture that makes it easy to eat fast. "Inappropriate compensatory behavior" to control one's weight may include purging behaviors (such as self-induced vomiting, abuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas) or non-purging behaviors (such as fasting or excessive exercise). People with bulimia experience episodes of bingeing and purging. During these episodes, they typically eat a large amount of food in a short period of time and then try to rid themselves of the extra calories in inappropriate ways, such as self-induced vomiting or excessive exercise. In between these binge-purge episodes, people with bulimia actually eat very little or often skip meals altogether. Bulimia is often less about food, and more to do with deep psychological issues and profound feelings of lack of control. Sufferers consume huge quantities of food. Sometimes up to 20,000 calories at a time. The foods on which they binge tend to be foods labeled as "comfort foods" sweet foods, high in calories, or smooth, soft foods like ice cream, cake, and pastry. Bulimia is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition. Because it's so intimately entwined with self-image.

Bulimia Nervosa is best considered as three separate illnesses that share the essential features described above. They will be discussed below under three different headings; Simple, Anorexic, and Multi-impulsive Bulimia Nervosa. Binge/purge episodes can be severe, sometimes involving rapid and out of control feeding that can stop when the sufferers "are interrupted by another person" or when their stomach hurts from over-extension. This cycle may be repeated several times a week or, in serious cases, several times a day. Sufferers can often "use the destructive eating pattern to gain control over their lives. It begins with dissatisfaction of the person's body and extreme concern with body size and shape. Usually individuals suffering from bulimia have low self-esteem, feelings of helplessness and a fear of becoming fat It is believed that more than five million individuals experience an eating disorder (bulimia nervosa or anorexia nervosa) in this country alone. It is ten times more common in women than men, with greatest prevalence occurring in adolescents and college-age young adults. This indicates a need for concern and preventive measures on college campuses across the country, especially for female students. Treatment is generally done using includes medical providers, mental health professionals and dietitians, all with experience in eating disorders. Medications. Antidepressant medications may help some people with bulimia. Treat bulimia is fluoxetine (Prozac), a type of antidepressant.

Causes of Bulimia Nervosa

Common Causes and Risk factors of Bulimia Nervosa

• Psychological problems.
• Biological ( Genes, hormones , and chemicals )
• Sociocultural factors.
• Environmental factors.
• Stressful events.
• Low self-esteem.

Signs and Symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa

Common Sign and Symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa

• Depression or anxiety.
• Dehydration.
• Fatigue.
• Dry Skin.
• Menstrual irregularities or loss of menstruation (amenorrhea).
• Hoarding food.
• Sores in the throat and mouth.

Treatment for Bulimia Nervosa

Common Treatment for Bulimia Nervosa

• Treatment is most effective when it is implemented early on in the development of the disorder. The most popular form of treatment for the disorder involves some form of therapy, often group psychotherapy or cognitive behavioral therapy.
• Anti-psychotics are also used, but in smaller doses than are used for treating schizophrenia . With an eating disorder, the patient perceives reality differently and has difficulty grasping what it is like to eat normally.
• Antidepressant medications may help some people with bulimia. Treat bulimia is fluoxetine (Prozac), a type of antidepressant.
• Psychotherapy is a cornerstone of bulimia treatment. Using biofeedback may also help you to better manage stress.
• Group therapy is especially effective for college-aged and young adult women because of the understanding of the group members. In group therapy they can talk with peers who have similar experiences.
• Avoid coffee and other stimulants, alcohol, and tobacco.
• Drink 6 - 8 glasses of filtered water daily.
• Use quality protein sources , such as organic meat and eggs, whey, and vegetable protein shakes.
• Avoid refined sugars, such as candy and soft drinks.