Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia Nervosa eating disorder

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder in which you secretly binge on large quantities of food before taking steps to prevent weight gain, such as vomiting or using laxatives.

Psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy has proven highly successful at treating this disorder.

Eating disorders are potentially life-threatening conditions, so it’s essential that anyone experiencing symptoms receive medical and mental health treatment right away. Seek help from both a medical doctor and mental health provider.

Causes of Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is a complex mental health condition that affects individuals of all shapes and sizes. Usually caused by poor body image, stress, or diet culture. Those struggling with bulimia often focus on their weight or shape preoccupation and feel guilty after overeating; some also have depression, anxiety, or substance use disorders in their past history.

Bingeing and purging can create physical issues, including dental enamel erosion (from frequent vomiting) and electrolyte imbalances, especially hypokalemia from self-induced vomiting or misuse of laxatives or diuretics.

Bulimia nervosa also increases your risk for heart complications such as irregular heartbeat, chest pain recurrence and even rectal prolapse and death.

Researchers believe bulimia may be linked to low levels of certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin. Serotonin plays an integral part in brain cell communication and mood regulation.

Hormones, which govern various bodily processes such as appetite regulation and energy levels as well as breakdown and digestion of food are also affected by bulimia.

Symptoms

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder in which someone cycles between bingeing, or overeating, and then trying to rid their body of it via vomiting or laxative use – often multiple times daily and over an extended period.

Most often found among female adolescents but can affect men as well; usually triggered by stressful situations, social pressure to thin, depression and anxiety feelings.

Healthcare professionals typically diagnose bulimia by collecting a detailed history of symptoms, including when and what may trigger them.

A physical exam and blood or urine testing may also be recommended, along with psychological assessment.

Psychotherapy is one of the primary treatments for Bulimia nervosa and can be done either individually or in groups.

Cognitive therapy helps address negative thoughts that lead to binging and purging behaviors. Antidepressants like Prozac may be combined with psychotherapy treatment as an additional approach.

Treatment

People suffering from bulimia secretly binge on large quantities of food until they feel out of control and then purge to rid their body of any remaining calories by self-induced vomiting or using laxatives, weight-loss pills, diuretics or enemas – or by exercising excessively or fasting.

Bulimia affects people of all ages and body sizes – more prevalent among women than men and generally beginning in teenage or early adulthood.

Treatment for Bulimia Nervosa includes psychotherapy and, at times, medication.

Therapists can assist in teaching healthier coping mechanisms and developing positive body relations; support groups are also available as sources of hope and encouragement.

Antidepressants have been shown to effectively relieve symptoms associated with bulimia when combined with psychotherapy.

One effective antidepressant approved by the FDA, Prozac (fluoxetine), is one such effective medication; additional research suggests selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors could also prove helpful in treating this disorder.

Prevention

Bulimia, commonly misrepresented as an eating disorder affecting young girls and women, affects men, boys and individuals of all ages as well.

Although prevention can be challenging, there are ways people struggling with bulimia can be helped; encouraging intuitive eating practices while avoiding body-shaming conversations are two such tactics that could reduce risk.

Understanding what triggers binge-purge cycles is also vital, and learning how to cope without engaging in harmful behaviors.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), for instance, can assist in creating normal eating patterns while identifying and challenging irrational thoughts that lead to unhealthy actions.

A registered dietitian can assist with restoring healthy eating habits and strengthening relationships with food.

Furthermore, finding activities that promote social connection may help alleviate feelings of isolation which contributes to bulimia – you may wish to join a support group as this may provide essential assistance.