An eating disorder known as bulimia nervosa involves binge eating and purging. Bulimia nervosa is caused by eating large quantities of food in a short period of time, and then trying to get rid of the calories by vomiting, using laxatives, exercising excessively, or fasting. In addition to causing physical and psychological damage, bingeing and purging can negatively impact one's self-esteem and quality of life.
The exact causes of bulimia nervosa are not fully understood, but some possible factors include:
Genetic predisposition: Some people may inherit genes that make them more vulnerable to developing bulimia nervosa.
A person with bulimia nervosa may have low self-esteem, perfectionism, depression, anxiety, or trauma. They may use food as a coping mechanism.
The media, peers, or family may encourage unrealistic standards of beauty and thinness, and people with bulimia nervosa may feel pressured to conform to these ideals.
The symptoms of bulimia nervosa may vary from person to person, but some common signs include:
Eating large amounts of food in a short period of time, often in secret or when feeling out of control
Feeling guilty, ashamed, or disgusted after binge eating
Trying to compensate for the binge eating by vomiting, using laxatives, exercising excessively, or fasting
Having a distorted body image and fear of gaining weight
Having frequent fluctuations in weight
Having dental problems, such as tooth decay, erosion, or sensitivity, due to the acid from vomiting
Having gastrointestinal problems, such as bloating, constipation, or diarrhea, due to the use of laxatives or fasting
Having dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, or nutritional deficiencies, due to the loss of fluids and nutrients
Having irregular or absent menstrual periods, due to the hormonal changes
Having mood swings, depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts, due to the psychological distress
The diagnosis of bulimia nervosa is based on the following criteria, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5):
Recurrent episodes of binge eating, characterized by:
Eating an amount of food that is definitely larger than what most people would eat in a similar period of time and under similar circumstances
A sense of lack of control over eating during the episode
Recurrent inappropriate compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or other medications, fasting, or excessive exercise
The binge eating and inappropriate compensatory behaviors both occur, on average, at least once a week for three months
Self-evaluation is unduly influenced by body shape and weight
The disturbance does not occur exclusively during episodes of anorexia nervosa
To diagnose bulimia nervosa, a doctor may also perform a physical examination, blood tests, and other tests to check for the possible complications of the disorder.
In treating bulimia nervosa, the goal is to address the underlying causes and consequences of the disorder, and to help the person develop a healthy relationship with food and body.
In psychotherapy, the person learns how to change the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that contribute to bulimia nervosa. Examples of effective psychotherapies include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
It is possible to treat this disorder with antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which can help reduce binge eating and purging behaviors, as well as improve mood and anxiety. Bulimia nervosa should not be treated exclusively with medication, but with psychotherapy and other forms of support as well.
During nutrition counseling, a dietitian or nutritionist can provide education and guidance on eating a balanced and adequate diet, as well as how to normalize eating patterns. Nutrition counselors can also assist a person with meal planning and monitoring, as well as addressing nutritional deficiencies and complications.
It involves joining a support group of people who have similar experiences and challenges with bulimia nervosa, and who can provide mutual support, encouragement, and coping strategies.
The prevention of bulimia nervosa is not easy, as there are many factors that can influence its development. However, some possible ways to prevent or reduce the risk of bulimia nervosa include:
Promoting a positive and realistic body image and self-esteem, and challenging the unrealistic and harmful standards of beauty and thinness that are imposed by the media, peers, or family
Encouraging a healthy and balanced approach to eating and physical activity, and avoiding dieting, fasting, or over-exercising
Providing a supportive and nurturing environment, and addressing any sources of stress, conflict, or trauma that may affect the person’s emotional well-being
Seeking professional help early, if there are any signs or symptoms of bulimia nervosa or any other eating disorder, and following the recommended treatment plan
The eating disorder bulimia nervosa can affect anyone, no matter their age, gender, race, or background. It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of bulimia nervosa, and to seek help as soon as possible. People who suffer from bulimia nervosa can recover from it, and they can regain their health and happiness with proper treatment and support.
