Bulimia is a chronic eating disorder. It is characterized by uncontrolled episodes of overeating usually followed by self-induced vomiting.
It is also known as binging-purging, bulimia nervosa.
Individuals with bulimia secretly eat large amounts of food in a short period. This is called binge eating. They then try to avoid weight gain. They do this by fasting, inducing vomiting or using laxatives to get rid of whatever they have eaten.
What are the signs and symptoms of bulimia?
Symptoms of bulimia may include the following:
- Amenorrhea, it is decreased or absent menstrual periods.
- denial of the behavior
- excessive exercise, even if the person is underweight
- constant fear of gaining weight or becoming fat
- feeling of disgust
- need for frequent weighing
- periods of not eating followed by heavy eating
- problems with body image
- vomiting
- unusual eating habits
What are the causes and risks of bulimia?
Bulimia is thought to be a result of social, psychological, and biological factors.
Psychological factors like being always obsessed with a slim figure lead to this condition.
Social factors play a major role. Some societies emphasize on thinness.
Family problems, low self-esteem, and identity crisis are also major factors.
Bulimia is most common in females in adolescence or young adulthood.
What can be done to prevent bulimia?
There are no specific ways to prevent bulimia.
Promoting good nutrition and self-esteem are important. Changes in society`s attitudes about thinness would help.
How can bulimia be diagnosed?
A complete medical history and physical exam help in arriving at the diagnosis of bulimia.
Other additional tests required to diagnose bulimia include:
- blood tests, such as a complete blood count(CBC)
- an ECG, to check for heart problems
- urinalysis to check for dehydration and infection
What are the complications of bulimia?
Complications of bulimia can lead to:
- Dehydration
- Malnutrition
- Salt imbalance in the body
Dangerous affects the brain and muscles.
Damage the reproductive tract, bowels, stomach, and other body organs.
Serious heart problems, like arrhythmias, congestive heart failure
It can even lead to death.
What are the treatments for bulimia?
Treatment depends on the severity of the disease.
Treatment includes:
- medical management
- nutritional rehabilitation and counseling
- individual, group, and family psychotherapy
Some people become so malnourished that they need to be fed through tubes to stay alive.
Behavioral therapy is designed to help change the behaviors that keep the illness going.
Family therapy helps family members learn about the illness. They learn what they can do to help their loved ones recover. Sometimes, family problems need to be addressed before recovery can begin.
Medications are rarely used to treat bulimia. Antidepressants may be used to treat depression.