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Disordered Eating. Bulimia Nervosa & Binge Eating Disorder. Bulimia Nervosa--Definition. Bulimia is an illness in which a person binges on food or has regular episodes of overeating and feels a loss of control.
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Disordered Eating Bulimia Nervosa & Binge Eating Disorder
Bulimia Nervosa--Definition • Bulimia is an illness in which a person binges on food or has regular episodes of overeating and feels a loss of control. • The person then uses different methods -- such as vomiting or abusing laxatives -- to prevent weight gain • This is known as “binge and purge”
Causes • Exact cause of bulimia is unknown. • Genetic, psychological, trauma, family, society, or cultural factors may play a role. • Bulimia is likely due to more than one factor. • Begins with general dissatisfaction of physical appearance. • Some evidence of chemical messenger abnormalities (serotonin, feelings of satiety)
Risk Factors • Risk factors for developing bulimia • Female • Late teens—early adulthood • Have parents/siblings with eating disorder • Societal/peer pressure • Performance pressure in sports
Prevalence • Affects 1%-4% of the U.S. population • 3.1-12.4 million • 19-30% college females • People with bulimia are often at a normal weight, but they may see themselves as being overweight. • Because the person's weight is often normal, other people may not notice this eating disorder.
Bulimia/Binge Eating DisorderSymptoms • Binge Eating Disorder--Disorder where individuals frequently consume large amounts but DO NOT purge. • Eating unusually large amts of food even when full/not hungry • Eating rapidly during binge episodes • Feeling that your eating behavior is out of control • Feeling depressed, disgusted, ashamed, guilty or upset about your eating • Experiencing depression and anxiety • Frequently dieting, possibly without weight loss • Losing and gaining weight repeatedly, also called yo-yo dieting
Signs & Symptoms • Binge Episodes • In bulimia, eating binges may occur as often as several times a day for many months. • People with bulimia often eat large amounts of high-calorie foods, usually in secret. • People can feel a lack of control over their eating during these episodes. • Binges lead to self-disgust, which causes purging to prevent weight gain. Purging may include:
Signs and Symptoms • Purging Episodes • May occur several times a day • Forcing yourself to vomit • Excessive exercise • Using laxatives, enemas, or diuretics (water pills) • Purging often brings a sense of relief.
Signs & Symptoms • Symptoms that other friends/family can see: • Compulsive exercise • Suddenly eating large amounts of food or buying large amounts of food that disappear right away • Regularly going to the bathroom right after meals • Throwing away packages of laxatives, diet pills, emetics (drugs that cause vomiting), or diuretics
Health Problems • Cavities or gum infections • The enamel of the teeth worn away or pitted. • Broken blood vessels in the eyes • Dry mouth • Rashes and pimples • Small cuts and calluses across the tops of the finger joints from forcing oneself to vomit • Electrolyte imbalance
Health Complications • Permanent damage to esophagus • Dehydration, which can lead to major medical problems, such as kidney failure • Heart problems, such as an irregular heartbeat and heart failure • Digestive problems, and possibly a dependence on laxatives to have bowel movements • Anxiety and depression • Drug and alcohol abuse
Treatment • Most often, a stepped approach is used for patients with bulimia. • Support groups may be helpful for patients with mild conditions who do not have any health problems. • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and nutritional therapy are the first treatments for bulimia that does not respond to support groups. • Antidepressants are often used for bulimia. • A combination of CBT and antidepressants is very effective if CBT does not work alone.
