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Bulimia Nervosa and Anorexia NervosaCenter for Information on Bulimia NervosaWhat Happens in a BingeAll About Anorexia Eating Disorders You May Not KnowNight Eating SyndromeWhat is Binge-Eating Disorder?Eating Things That Aren't Food Questions That Matter to YouDo I Have an Eating Disorder?Why Shouldn't I Diet?How Do I Help a Friend? The Major Features of Bulimia NervosaAbout.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
A PrimerBulimia nervosa (bulimia) is a mental disorder marked by relatively frequent binge eating and some form of behavior to compensate for the binge eating and avoid weight gain. Most of the time (80-90%), compensation occurs through purging (vomiting), but a person with bulimia may use other methods. Engaging in bulimic behavior is hard on the body in a variety of ways, but its most troubling symptoms may be the shame and guilt that follow a binge/purge cycle. Those who binge and purge feel out of control; some are not fully aware that they are eating as much as they are during a binge. Diagnostic Criteria for Bulimia NervosaWhile most persons with bulimia nervosa purge to avoid weight gain, a person who purges after eating does not necessarily meet a diagnosis of bulimia. If the person also refuses to maintain a minimally healthy body weight, she (or he) may be diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, purging type. Knowing the difference can help professionals choose the best treatment methods. Physical Symptoms of BulimiaPersons with bulimia nervosa can look relatively healthy. They usually are within a normal weight range, though some can be slightly over- or underweight. One has to look closer to see signs of bulimia, and those who struggle with the disorder are often very good at hiding them. Behavioral ChangesThose with bulimia encounter changes in their thinking and behavior. Behavioral change is often self-destructive, while mental changes often involve more negative emotions directed toward the self.
StatisticsBulimia probably affects more people than you think. Risk FactorsThere is no definitive cause of bulimia nervosa (or any eating disorder), but there are many factors that increase the risk of becoming bulimic. The following have been linked to eating disorder development:
Related Mental DisordersFrequently, those who struggle with bulimia show signs of other mental disorders.
Treatment StrategiesTreating bulimia usually involves multiple treatment strategies. Because bulimia involves physical damage, medical attention is a good place to start. A doctor can also rule out other gastric problems that may create symptoms that look like bulimia nervosa but are caused by some other disturbance. With adequate physical health, the person will be in a better position to address psychological, social, and spiritual issues. Ultimately, treating the entire person is vital.
Seeking Professional HelpSadly, only 6% of those with bulimia receive mental health care. When a person does decide that it's time to get treatment, there are a lot of choices to make. Sources:
American Psychiatric Association (APA), 1994. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed. Washington, D.C., American Psychiatric Association. Anorexia Nervosa and Related Eating Disorders (ANRED), Inc. "Statistics: How Many People Have Eating Disorders?" Accessed 13 December 2006. National Eating Disorders Association. "Statistics: Eating Disorders and their Precursors." Accessed 13 December 2006. Thomson Gale. "Bulimia Nervosa." Accessed 13 December 2006. University of Maryland Medical Center. "How Serious Is Bulimia Nervosa Without Serious Weight Loss (Anorexia)?" Accessed 9 December 2006. Updated: February 14, 2008 Bulimia Nervosa and Anorexia NervosaCenter for Information on Bulimia NervosaWhat Happens in a BingeAll About Anorexia Eating Disorders You May Not KnowNight Eating SyndromeWhat is Binge-Eating Disorder?Eating Things That Aren't Food Questions That Matter to YouDo I Have an Eating Disorder?Why Shouldn't I Diet?How Do I Help a Friend? |
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