Bulimia Nervosa - Signs, Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery. Our Orlando, FL Center for Discovery location specializes in treating this Eating Disorder.

Bulimia Nervosa Signs, Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery |
Orlando, FL

What is Bulimia Nervosa?

Bulimia nervosa, also referred to as bulimia, is a serious eating disorder that has potentially fatal medical and psychological consequences. It is characterized by repeated instances of eating significantly more food than what most people would eat in a short period of time, followed by one or more behaviors to attempt to compensate for the food eaten. These behaviors, also known as purging or compensatory behaviors, might include vomiting, intense exercising, or the use of substances like diet pills or laxatives. It is associated with significant impairment in the individual's life and occurs, on average, once per week for at least three months.

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What are the medical consequences?

In bulimia, the repeated binge and purge cycle can severely damage a person’s digestive system. Purging behaviors can lead to life-threatening electrolyte and chemical imbalances which affect functioning of the heart and other critical organs. Below is a list of medical consequences and symptoms:

• Electrolyte imbalances which cause irregular heartbeats and can possibly lead to heart failure or death

• Damage and inflammation of the esophagus and peptic ulcers from repeated vomiting

• Tooth staining and decay from stomach acid

• Chronic irregular bowel movements and constipation due to laxative abuse

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Why is treatment for bulimia important and what to expect in the eating disorder treatment program.

With bulimia, a self-perpetuating cycle of binging and purging is developed over time. The cycle becomes more and more difficult to break despite the distress being caused. Many people suffering from bulimia are aware that their behaviors could be dangerous to their health but are often unable to break the cycle without professional help. Bulimia, like other eating disorders, has an increased risk of death due to medical consequences or suicide. An individual’s chance for recovery greatly improves the earlier bulimia is detected, so prompt intervention is essential.

Sources:

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
• NEDA: Bulimia nervosa. Retrieved January 26, 2017.
• NEDA: Factors that may contribute to eating disorders. Retrieved January 26, 2017.
• NEDA: Treating an eating disorder. Retrieved January 26, 2017.