Bulimia Nervosa - Bulimia Nervosa Symptom, Cause, Treatment
Bulimia Nervosa is a disorder which is mainly characterised by repeated episodes of overeating and a preoccupation with the control of body weight. Bulimia is an illness defined by food binges, or recurrent episodes of significant overeating, that are accompanied by a sense of loss of control. The affected person then uses various methods -- such as vomiting or laxative abuse -- to prevent weight gain.
What are the symptoms of bulimia nervosa?
- binge eating
- self-induced vomiting
- inappropriate use of diuretics or laxatives
- overachieving behavior
What are the causes of bulimia nervosa?
The cause of bulimia nervosa is unknown.In bulimia, eating binges may occur as often as several times daily for many months. These binges cause a sense of self-disgust, which leads to compensatory behaviors like self-induced vomiting or excessive exercise. A person with bulimia may also abuse laxatives, diuretics, or enemas in order to prevent weight gain.
What can people with bulimia nervosa do to help themselves?
Recognise that you are suffering from bulimia nervosa and seek help from your family doctor. There are also several good self-help books available.
Definition/Facts: Bulimia Nervosa
A. There are two types of bulimia nervosa:
1. Purging
2. Nonpurging
B. It occurs in 0.5% to 2.0% of adolescents and young adult women.
C. It is usually preceded by dieting behavior.
D. Bulimics are usually of average or above average weight.
E. Self-evaluation is unduly influenced by size and weight.
F. A complex lifestyle develops to accommodate eating disorder behaviors.
G. There are ongoing feelings of isolation, self-deprecating thoughts, depression, and low self-esteem.
H. There are ongoing feelings of isolation, self-deprecating thoughts, depression, and low self-esteem.
I. It typically develops in early to mid-adolescents.
J. There is full recognition of the behavior as abnormal.
K. Statistics indicate it is relatively uncommon in men.
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