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Bulimia
Bulimia (sometimes also referred to as Bulimia Nervosa) is an eating disorder in which the individual consistently follows a binge and purge eating pattern. Purging is done by self-induced vomiting, diuretics or laxative use. Excessive exercise, or other means are used to prevent gaining weight. Only when binge eating occurs as often as twice a week and is combined with repeated episodes of purging is the syndrome called purging bulimia. When the person uses excessive exercise or fasting to control their weight, it is referred to as nonpurging type of bulimia nervosa. Bulimics are not exceptionally thin but are obsessed with their weight, feel intense shame about their abnormal behavior, and often experience some depression.
Effects of Bulimia on the body
This disorder can cause a wide range of medical problems, including inflammation of the digestive tract, renal complications, gastrointestinal complications, electrolyte abnormalities, dental problems, (from repeated vomiting), lowered body temperature, disturbances of body chemistry and cardiac problems.
Prevalence of Bulimia
Like anorexia nervosa, bulimia is a primarily female disorder that tends to occur in adolescence and early adulthood (usually 15-29 years). A binge is an episode where an individual eats a much larger portion of food than normal. Binge eating is not a response to intense hunger, but usually a response to depression, stress, or self esteem issues. The afflicted bulimic, tends to be depressed and self-critical after a bulimic episode.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Bulimia
It is normally difficult to diagnose a person with Bulimia, because binging and purging is often done secretly. Also, individuals suffering from bulimia normally deny their condition and are of normal weight or slightly overweight. Treatment for bulimics is normally through antidepressant drugs that elevate the person's mood, coupled with relaxation treatment, self-monitoring, and therapy.
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