Eating disorders are a serious behavioral problem that is plaguing a lot of people these days. This disorder is more prevalent in young females who are very conscious about their weight as well as their body shape. These eating disorders can include serious overeating (bulimia) or extreme fasting (anorexia) which are both detrimental to the well -being of a person. Bulimia Nervosa, or just Bulimia, is a psychological disorder that leads to binge or extensive eating in humans. This disorder isn’t only limited to over-eating, but can sometimes be life-threatening.
Physical symptoms of bulimia include weight fluctuations, i.e., gain or loss of weight, tiredness and improper sleeping cycles. Psychologically this disorder can generate feelings of shame, disgust, and guilt in a person.
A person suffering from bulimia nervosa generally consumes an oddly large amount of food in short intervals of time, and later, purges out the food in order to avoid unwanted weight gain. They use unhealthy ways, such as vomiting, laxatives or extensive exercise to lose the excess calories that they have gained during binge eating. Moreover, a person suffering from Bulimia might even purge out food that has been taken in a limited amount.
Types of Bulimia Nervosa:
Bulimia nervosa is divided into two types on the basis of how people with the disease deal with the excess calories that they get from their binge eating. These are:
Purging Bulimia is the most common form of this disorder. People with purging bulimia get rid of the excess calories by inducing vomiting or by abusing their body with dietary supplements or drugs like laxatives, diuretics and enema.
People suffering from this form of bulimia use methods, such as fasting and extensive workout to get rid of extra calories consumed through binge eating. Common purging methods like vomiting and drug abuses are generally avoided by people with non-purging bulimia.
Knowing the symptoms of bulimia might help in the detection of the disease and can help in the early treatment of this psychological disorder. Symptoms of bulimia are divided into three major categories, i.e. physical, behavioral and psychological. Some of the common signs of bulimia are listed below:
1. Physical Symptoms:
2. Behavioral Symptoms:
3. Psychological Symptoms:
If you observe the symptoms such as extensive uncontrolled eating episodes after which you feel shame and guilt and prefer social isolation or have any other symptoms like anxiety and depression, then there are chances you may have Bulimia. Bulimia like any other eating disorder is always associated with lots of different psychological issues and these issues need to be identified and treated in order to treat this disorder. So meeting a psychiatrist is the best way to rule out if you are suffering from this disorder.
There are several factors that might increase the chances of developing Bulimia Nervosa:
1. Causes of Bulimia Nervosa:
No specific cause of bulimia nervosa has been discovered yet. However, it is believed that various factors, such as environmental, genetic, psychological and cultural are responsible for this psychological eating disorder. Some of the possible causes of bulimia are:
2. Prevention of Bulimia Nervosa:
There is no specific prevention plan for bulimia nervosa. Nevertheless, early detection and psychological treatment along with medication can help in the prevention of long-term health problems caused by bulimia nervosa.
Diagnosis of Bulimia Nervosa requires a keen observation of its characteristic symptoms. There could be various symptoms that might indicate that a person is suffering from this problem.
Unfortunately, self-diagnosis is quite complicated as it is difficult for people with the problem to accept that they actually have this problem. They often consider it as some problem with their digestive system. But, observing some behavioral and physical changes in a person can be helpful in diagnosing this disorder.
Bulimia related behavioral changes may include anti-social behavior and eating alone, uncontrollable eating, and several trips to the restroom while eating (which indicates that they might be purging out food). Moreover, physical changes like weight fluctuations are also the signs of the problem.
Nevertheless, proper diagnosis of bulimia is possible, but only when done by a mental health professional, as some of the symptoms of bulimia are similar to other eating disorders.
Bulimia nervosa can be treated with psychotherapy and antidepressant medication. Its treatment involves support from family, doctors, mental health providers and professional dietitians. Below is a list of in-detail treatment for bulimia:
1. Psychotherapy:
Psychotherapy involves psychologists who provide talk therapy by discussing bulimia and related topics such as weight issues and depression. Psychotherapy includes-
2. Medication:
Antidepressant medications along with psychotherapy help in dealing with the symptoms of bulimia nervosa. The only antidepressant approved by FDA for the treatment this disorder is Prozac (fluoxetine), which is a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). This medicine is helpful even in cases where the person isn’t depressed.
3. Nutrition Education:
Health care providers and dietitians can prepare healthy eating schedules that help to treat a person suffering from bulimia nervosa. Educating people about healthy eating habits and diets can help prevent bulimia.
Any over-the-counter medication for the treatment of Bulimia is not advised as there are chances that it may worsen the situation by affecting the mental health. Any kind of medication should only be taken if prescribed by a professional medical expert.
There are many ways of treating Bulimia that include natural treatments and psychological treatments provided by mental health experts. In addition, self-management is required for the timely recovery of the problem. A health professional can provide diet plans or health tips like yoga, meditation and exercise for faster recovery.
Nevertheless, effectiveness of the suggested treatment depends on the patients themselves to a greater extent. Realizing the problem and importance of the treatment is necessary for recovery. Moreover, treatment adherence and taking advice from the doctor or psychiatrist can help cure bulimia at a better pace.
Following the guidelines provided by the health professional and following a healthy life routine with strong determination can help a patient to get rid of the problem as soon as possible.
Bulimia nervosa in spite of being a psychological disorder can be treated naturally. There are various methods that can help in the natural treatment of bulimia:
“For sufferers with bulimia, there is often relief in disclosing the symptoms to an empathic and experienced professional. A good outcome is often linked with being in a non-judgmental, supportive relationship.”
– Eric Johnson Sabine, Eating Disorders Consultant Psychiatrist, St Ann’s Hospital, North London.
Academician, Shelly's rich experience as an academic and research professional speaks volume. Her fields of interest are genetics, biotechnology and drug research. Shelly keeps herself abreast with latest scientific researches all around the globe and loves to write about the same.
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