| Bulimia Nervosa |
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Bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder
Bulimia, also called bulimia nervosa, is a psychological eating disorder.
Bulimia is characterized by episodes of binge-eating followed by
inappropriate methods of weight control (purging). Inappropriate methods
of weight control include vomiting, fasting, enemas, excessive use of
laxatives and diuretics, or compulsive exercising.
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. An individual may binge anywhere from
twice a day to several times daily.
The typical age of onset for bulimia is in the teenage years and early third
decade of life. This is slightly older than the peak age of onset for anorexia
nervosa but generally lower than the age of onset of binge-eating disorder.
The prevalence of bulimia nervosa in children younger than 14 years
appears to be less than 5%.
People with bulimia can look perfectly normal. Most of them are of normal
weight, and some may be overweight. Women with bulimia tend to be high
achievers.
Bulimia often begins as what seems to be a good idea: a way to control
your weight without dieting. It continues as a means of self-control, which
instead becomes an out-of-control habit. The following usually are present
before someone becomes a bulimic:
Bulimia, also called bulimia nervosa, is a psychological eating disorder.
Bulimia is characterized by episodes of binge-eating followed by
inappropriate methods of weight control (purging). Inappropriate methods
of weight control include vomiting, fasting, enemas, excessive use of
laxatives and diuretics, or compulsive exercising.
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. An individual may binge anywhere from
twice a day to several times daily.
The typical age of onset for bulimia is in the teenage years and early third
decade of life. This is slightly older than the peak age of onset for anorexia
nervosa but generally lower than the age of onset of binge-eating disorder.
The prevalence of bulimia nervosa in children younger than 14 years
appears to be less than 5%.
People with bulimia can look perfectly normal. Most of them are of normal
weight, and some may be overweight. Women with bulimia tend to be high
achievers.
Bulimia often begins as what seems to be a good idea: a way to control
your weight without dieting. It continues as a means of self-control, which
instead becomes an out-of-control habit. The following usually are present
before someone becomes a bulimic:
- Feeling out of control because of difficulties at home
- Suppressed anger
- Unmet needs
- Feeling undeserving
- Major life changes, such as divorce, family problems, loss of a relationship, a move
What are the symptoms
- Eating uncontrollably, purging, strict dieting, fasting, vigorous exercise,
- Vomiting or abusing laxatives or diuretics in an attempt to lose weight. Vomiting blood
- Using the bathroom frequently after meals.
- Preoccupation with body weight
- Depression or mood swings. Feeling out of control.
- Swollen glands in neck and face
- Heartburn, bloating, indigestion, constipation
- Irregular periods
- Dental problems, sore throat
- Weakness, exhaustion bloodshot eyes
Behaviours associated with bulimia:
- 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)
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, an outpatient day program, and in individual or group psychotherapy. Medication, such as
Prozac, 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 behavioural interventions, family therapy, psychodynamic or expressive art
therapies. Sheena's Place functions as a community resource for individuals to access support at any point in their recovery