Bulimia
Eating Disorders
Bulimia
Bulimia is a disease in which the person overeats or has regular episodes of overeating and feels a loss of control. The person then uses various methods, such as vomiting or using excess laxatives, to prevent weight gain. Many, but not all, people with bulimia also suffer from anorexia nervosa.
Causes:
Many more women than men have bulimia, and the disorder is more common in adolescent girls and young women. The affected person is generally aware that their eating pattern is abnormal and may experience fear or guilt with episodes of excessive eating and purging. The exact cause of bulimia is unknown, but genetic, psychological, traumatic, family, social, or cultural factors may play a role. Bulimia is probably due to more than one factor.
Symptoms of anorexia:
In bulimia, episodes of overeating can occur with a frequency of several times a day for many months. Bulimic people typically eat large amounts of high-calorie foods, often in secret. The person generally feels a lack of control over their eating during these episodes. These episodes of excessive ingestion of food cause a feeling of self-rejection, which leads to what is called purging in order to avoid weight gain. Purging may include: Making yourself vomit Excessive exercise Use of laxatives, enemas, or diuretics Purging often produces a feeling of relief. Bulimic people are often at a normal weight, but they may find themselves overweight. Because weight is often normal, this eating disorder may not be noticed by others. Symptoms other people may see include: Compulsive exercise Suddenly consuming large amounts of food or buying large amounts of food that disappears immediately Going to the bathroom regularly immediately after meals Throwing away packages of laxatives, diet pills, emetics (drugs that cause vomiting) or diuretics.
Treatment of bulimia:
Bulimic people rarely need to be hospitalized, unless they: Have anorexia Have major depression Need drugs to help stop purging Most often, a stepwise approach is used for patients with bulimia. This method of treatment depends on the severity of the bulimia and the person's response to treatments: Support groups can be used for patients with mild conditions who do not have any health problems Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Nutritional are the first treatments for bulimia that does not respond to support groups. Antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are often used for bulimia. A combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and SSRI is very effective if the former does not work alone. Patients may drop out of programs if they have unrealistic expectations of being "cured" by therapy alone. Before a program begins, you should know the following: Many therapies may need to be tried to overcome this difficult disorder Bulimia is common to come back (relapse) and this is not a cause for despair The process is painful and you and your family will need to make a great effort.
Possible complications of bulimia:
Bulimia can be dangerous and lead to serious complications over time. For example, frequent vomiting leaves stomach acid in the esophagus (the tube that runs from the mouth to the stomach), which can cause permanent damage to this area. Possible complications include: Constipation Dehydration Dental caries Electrolyte imbalances Hemorrhoids Pancreatitis Inflammation of the throat Ruptures of the esophagus from excessive vomiting.
Dr. Carbonell
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