Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia nervosa, commonly known as bulimia, is a serious eating disorder in which you overeat and then purge. The physical, behavioral, and emotional manifestations differ. The actual cause is unknown. It could be a combination of genetics and learned habits. Education and symptom awareness may help to prevent bulimia.
What is bulimia nervosa?
Bulimia is a serious eating disorder. It is characterized by uncontrolled overeating episodes known as bingeing. This is followed by purging methods like vomiting or the misuse of laxatives.
Bingeing is when you eat a lot more food than usual in a short time, usually less than 2 hours. During these episodes, you may feel like you can’t stop or control your eating. The binge-purge cycles can occur frequently. It can range from many times a day to several times a week.
People with bulimia often maintain a normal or above-normal body weight. This allows them to conceal their struggle for extended periods. Many individuals with bulimia tend to delay seeking help until their 30s or 50s, making it more challenging to change ingrained eating behaviors.
There are two primary ways individuals with bulimia restrict calories:
1. Purging type:
Involves self-induced vomiting or the misuse of diuretics, laxatives, enemas, or other medications that clear the intestines.
2. Non-purging type:
Involves alternative behaviors such as fasting or excessive exercise, rather than purging methods.
What are the symptoms of bulimia nervosa?
Signs and symptoms may include:
· Being preoccupied with your body shape and weight.
· Repeated instances of consuming excessive amounts in one sitting.
· Living in fear of gaining weight.
· Loss of control during bingeing. Can’t stop eating or can’t control what you eat.
· Using diuretics or laxatives after eating when they’re not needed.
· Using herbal products or dietary supplements excessively to lose weight.
· Exercising too much to keep from gaining weight after bingeing.
· Forcing yourself to vomit.
· Restricting calories, fasting, or avoiding certain foods between binges.
Other symptoms include:
· Anxiety
· Depression
· Fatigue
· Irregular menstruation
· Dental problems due to tooth enamel erosion
The severity of bulimia is determined by the number of times a week that you purge, usually at least once a week for at least three months.
What causes bulimia nervosa?
The specific cause of bulimia nervosa is unknown. Researchers believe it may be a combination of genetics and learned behaviors. If you have a family who has had an eating issue, you are more likely to acquire one yourself.
Popular culture and the media impose pressure on people to have a specific physical type. These external factors can influence your body image and self-esteem. Additionally, feeling anxious, agitated, or out of control can all contribute to bulimia.
Complications of bulimia nervosa
Bulimia can impede your body from absorbing the nutrition it requires. Bulimia nervosa can cause a wide range of difficulties, including:
· Tooth decay and cavities
· Throat and stomach ulcers
· Esophageal inflammation (esophagitis) and tears
· Electrolyte imbalance
· Your intestines and stomach are damaged
· Abnormal heartbeat
· Increased suicide risk
· Heart failure
How is bulimia nervosa treated?
Bulimia is typically addressed through both individual and family treatment. The emphasis is on modifying your behavior and addressing any dietary issues.
Therapy examines the relationship between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The therapist will investigate and help transform the thought patterns that contribute to self-destructive behaviors.
If you are also nervous or depressed, a prescription (typically antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications) may be helpful.
You will be treated by a healthcare provider as well as a dietitian. Your family can be a valuable source of support during any therapy procedure. In some situations, a hospital stay may be required to manage electrolyte issues.