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Bulimia

Bulimia (also known as Bulimia Nervosa), is characterized by an over-preoccupation with food and weight, which results in out-of-control eating patterns, including binge eating and then compensating (or over compensating) for the binge eating.
Because compensatory behavior follows the binge-eating episodes, people with Bulimia usually weigh within the normal range for their age, sex, and height.
People with Bulimia often perform the binge eating and compensatory behaviors in secret, feeling disgusted and ashamed when they binge, yet relieved once they purge.

Bulimia was first recognized as a distinct eating disorder (separate from Anorexia) in the 1970s. In 1976, Bulimia Nervosa appeared in psychiatric diagnostic manuals for the first time.

It is currently estimated that between 1.1% to 4.2% of females living in Western society will suffer from some form of Bulimia at some time during their life.
Approximately one-sixth of Western people with Bulimia are male, so less than 1% of Western males will suffer from some form of Bulimia at some time during their life.

Symptoms

Bulimia is characterized by an over-preoccupation with food and weight, which results in various out-of-control eating patterns, such as:

  • Binge eating, which involves the consumption of large amounts of food within a short period of time. These usually occur secretly, and the person may feel a sense of loss of control and shame following these episodes.
  • Extreme attempts to compensate for these binges and avoid weight gain by one or more of the following unhealthy and potentially dangerous methods:
    • self induced vomiting,
    • misuse of laxatives
    • misuse of fluid pills (diuretics)
    • misuse of diet pills
    • misuse of enemas
    • intense, excessive and compulsive exercise, and/or,
      periods of overly strict dieting or fasting.
  • Often a disturbed body image is also associated with Bulimia, for example: Undue influence of body weight or shape on self-evaluation.

The binge eating and inappropriate compensatory behaviors both occur, on average, at least twice a week.
Because compensatory behavior follows the binge-eating episodes, people with Bulimia usually weigh within the normal range for their age, sex, and height.
However, just as with Anorexia, people with Bulimia may fear weight gain, they may desire to lose weight, and they may feel intensely dissatisfied with their bodies.
People with Bulimia often perform the binge eating and compensatory behaviors in secret, feeling disgusted and ashamed when they binge, yet relieved once they purge.
In addition to the signs and symptoms for each type of Eating Disorder, a range of warning signs can also indicate the possible development of an Eating Disorder.

Initially, friends and family may suspect that a person suffers from Bulimia by observing one or more of the signs and symptoms of the condition regularly over a period of time, or by observing one of the warning signs of Eating Disorder in general .
A formal diagnosis for Bulimia usually requires that the binge eating and inappropriate compensatory behaviors both occur, on average, at least twice a week over a period of at least 3 months.

Treatment

All Eating Disorders can be treated and a healthy weight restored. However, the sooner the Eating Disorders is diagnosed and appropriate treatments begun, the better the outcomes are likely to be. Eating Disorders can be highly complex, requiring a comprehensive treatment strategy which involves psychosocial interventions, nutritional counseling, medical care and monitoring, and perhaps even medication management. At the time of diagnosis, a doctor will need to determine whether a person health and well-being is in serious danger and may recommend immediate hospitalization.
The primary aim in the treatment of Bulimia sufferers is to reduce or eliminate binge eating and purging behavior. To achieve this, a range of treatment options may be required, such as nutritional rehabilitation, psychosocial intervention, and medication management.
In addition, establishing a regular pattern of non-binge meals, and improving eating attitudes, encouraging healthy but not excessive exercise, and resolving other relevant and co-occurring conditions, such as mood and anxiety disorders, are also essential components for the treatment of Bulimia sufferers.
A range of individual psychotherapies, such as cognitive-behavioral or interpersonal psychotherapy, group psychotherapy that uses a cognitive-behavioral approach, and family or marital therapy can also be effective in treating Bulimia.
In addition, psychotropic medications, which include antidepressants such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), have proven helpful for weight maintenance and for resolving various mood and anxiety symptoms that are often associated with Bulimia. This is particularly true with sufferers who exhibit significant symptoms of depression or anxiety, or those who have not responded adequately to psychosocial treatment alone. These medications also may help prevent relapse or recurrence of the condition.
People with Eating Disorders often do not recognize or admit that they are ill. As a result, they may strongly resist treatments for their condition. Family members and other trusted individuals can be essential in ensuring that the sufferer receives needed care and continues with their rehabilitation. For some people, treatment may be long term.



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