Bulimia, medically known as bulimia nervosa, is a psychiatric eating disorder. More often than not it affects females. It is characterized by repeated episodes of bingeing followed by purging. This practice is usually carried out in secret and can lead to serious medical complications.
Types of bulimia
Bulimia can be divided into two different types. The purging type incorporates methods that basically intend to remove food from the body. This is usually done by vomiting after the excessive binge. Other purging methods of controlling weight may be used, like using diuretics or laxatives. The non-purging types use other methods like excessive exercise or fasting. Both of these types are inappropriate attempts to control weight.
Causes
There is no known exact cause, but certain links have been identified. It is widely believed that the condition results from an individual’s dissatisfaction with his or her own body. The person may actually be largely underweight, but when they see their reflection in the mirror they see a person who is much heavier. This first leads to dieting but eventually leads to bulimic behaviour.
Diagnosis
This disorder is diagnosed based on specific criteria uses in psychiatry all over the world. These include recurrent binges where the person will eat in two hours, more than the average person would eat during the same time period. There is also sense of loss of the control over eating during that time, or a sense that they simply cannot stop eating. There are inappropriate attempts to lose weight or prevent weight gain. These practices must occur twice per week for three months to be appropriately diagnosed. The person must be dissatisfied with their weight or body shape.
Warning signs
If you suspect that somebody is engaging in bulimic practices there are some things you can look out for. If the person is going to the bathroom after every meal and spending an unusually long time in there then they may be there to induce vomiting. Look for signs that they are exercising much more than usual with no appropriate reason. You can also look for signs that they have been vomiting excessively. These include swollen cheeks, damaged teeth or bloodshot eyes.
Treating bulimia
Like many other psychiatric disorders, bulimia requires complex management. The various complications that have arisen from the condition must be treated. This may include tooth damage and sensitivity, oral or oesophageal ulcers, acid reflux, irregular menstrual periods, oedema, and electrolyte disturbances. It is advised that the individual attend counseling sessions with a professional to get to the root of why they have been entertaining bulimic practices. It is always a good idea to get the family involved so that healing can take place with a good support system. There are also support groups available where the individual will be able to share their stories with others who have suffered from the condition. This is great because people often feel more comfortable sharing thing with others who have had a similar experience as they have.
