Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder. People who have it eat very large amounts of food (binging) and many also use inappropriate means to rid their bodies of the food (purging). Purging may be caused by vomiting, laxatives, or water pills. Individuals use this cycle to prevent gaining weight. These behaviors last for more than three months for at least two times a week. Individuals are overly concerned with weight and body image. In some, excessive exercise or fasting may replace or supplement purging.
The cause of bulimia is unknown. Several factors may contribute to this condition:
Behavioral symptoms include:
Physical symptoms include:
Bulimia may lead to other problems, including:
Symptoms of these complications include:
People with bulimia have a high incidence of personality disorder and of treatable psychiatric conditions, including:
The doctor will ask about:
The doctor will also perform a physical exam. They will check your teeth for signs of erosion.
Tests may include:
A mental health professional may also perform a psychiatric exam and/or psychological tests.
The goals of treatment are:
Treatments include:
You may be referred to a registered dietitian. A dietitian can help you learn more about the components of a healthy diet, reasonable weight and calorie goals.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can be very effective. It may be particularly effective when combined with drug treatment.
Other therapies may be less effective, but can help patients:
Antidepressant drugs, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), have proven effective in helping reduce these behaviors.
Healthy attitudes about food and your body help prevent bulimia nervosa. Suggestions include:
RESOURCES:
Bulimia Nervosa Resource Guide for Family and Friends
http://www.bulimiaguide.org/
National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders
http://www.anad.org/
National Eating Disorders Association
http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Bulimia Anorexia Nervosa Association
http://www.bana.ca/
Canadian Mental Health Association
http://www.ontario.cmha.ca/index.asp/
References:
Antidepressant use in children, adolescents, and adults. US Food and Drug Administration website. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/InformationbyDrugClass/UCM096273. Published May 22, 2009. Accessed July 15, 2009.
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Bulimia nervosa. National Institute of Mental Health website. Available at: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/eating-disorders/bulimia-nervosa.shtml. Accessed July 11, 2008.
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Last reviewed November 2009 by Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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