Anorexia and Bulimia

Bulimia Nervosa

Eating disorders are devastating behavioral maladies brought on by a complex interplay of factors, which may include emotional and personality disorders, family pressure, a possible genetic or biologic susceptibility, and a culture in which there is an overabundance of food and an obsession with thinness. Eating disorder also may be defined, as self-abuse. Two of these disorders, anorexia and bulimia, result from the fear or overeating and of gaining weight. This paper talks about what bulimia means, its causes, symptoms, medical consequences, and treatment.

- What is Bulimia Nervosa?

Bulimia is an eating disorder characterized by binge eating followed by self-induced vomiting, the use of laxatives or diuretics, strict dieting or fasting, or excessive exercise. Although the disorder can affect men, the preponderance of people with bulimia are female adolescents and young women. Many are self-critical, perfectionist women from high achieving families. There are two subtype of bulimia nervosa: purging and nonpurging, it occurs in 0.5 percent to 2.0 percent of adolescents and young adult women. Purging type: this subtype describes presentations in which the person has regulatory engaged in self-induced vomiting or the misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas during the current episode. Nonpurging type: this subtype describes presentation in which the person has used other inappropriate compensatory behaviors, such as fasting or excessive exercise, but has not regularly engaged in self-induced vomiting or the misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas during the current episode. Also, bulimics are usually of average or above average weight, there are ongoing feelings of isolation, self-deprecating thoughts, depression, low self-esteem, and there is a full recognition of the behavior as abnormal, for example:

- Make excuses to go to the bathroom after meals.

- Shows mood swings.

- Buys large amounts of food, which suddenly disappears.

- Has unusual swelling around the jaw.

- Eats large amounts of food on the spur of the moment.

- Laxative or diuretic wrappers frequently found in trash can.

- If there is unexplained disappearance of food in the home or residence hall setting.

- What causes Bulimia?

Although the exact cause is not known, in a great majority of cases bulimia is thought to be related to a complex network ...

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...n. Most patients can be treated on an output basis. However, other complications may indicate the need for hospitalization. Partial hospitalization programs are also available. Individual and group psychotherapy has been found effective, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy. Antidepressants, nutritional counseling, couples therapy and support groups may be a part of treatment.

The primary goals of treatment are:

- Normalization of eating patterns and daily caloric intake.

- Elimination of binge eating.

- Relinquishing self-evaluation based on body weight and shape.

- Enhancement of self-esteem.

- Improvement of problem-solving and decision-making skills.

- Enhancement of coping skills.

- Heightening of self-awareness of personal needs.

- Development of a solid self-concept.

Medications are sometimes used to assist in the treatment of Eating Disorders like bulimia however, is important to understand that there is no a "magic pill" those in recovery and on medication should also be in some type of therapy environment. Some of these medications are Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Effexor, Remeron, Wellbutrin, Luvox, Lithium, Desipramine, Imipramine, Xanax, and Naltrexone.