Bulimia is an eating disorder that mostly affects women. Bulimics are different from anorexics in that an anorexic starves herself and a bulimic eats. The difference between a binge eating disorder and bulimia is the purging or use of diuretics, laxatives, and diet pills by bulimics.
Bulimia is characterized by certain symptoms. While many people may experience one or two of these symptoms on occasion and have no psychological problems at all, the existence of three or more of these symptoms warrants evaluation by a specialist trained in eating disorders:
- Recurrent episodes of binge eating and purging (vomiting)
- Unrealistic fear of becoming overweight
- Intense food cravings
- Overuse of laxatives
- Overuse of diuretics
- Depression
- Tooth enamel erosion (caused by vomiting)
- Gum infections (caused by vomiting)
- Cavities and tooth discolouration (caused by vomiting)
- Frequent bouts of nausea
Bulimia is a psychological disorder that can cause serious physical problems and even death. It is the purging and use of medications to expel the food from the body that causes the physical damage. Some of the long-term consequences of bulimia are:
- swelling of the stomach
- swelling of the pancreas
- inflammation of the esophagus
- enlarged salivary glands
- tooth decay caused by stomach acid
- gum disease caused by stomach acid
- dehydration and loss of potassium can also cause:
- abnormal heart beats
- muscle spasms
- paralysis
- suicide and death (if left untreated)
Bulimia is usually brought on by conflicts within the family or at school. Overachievers and perfectionists are most at risk if they believe they cannot live up to others' expectations of them. Low self-esteem and depression can bring on bulimia. Studies have also shown that about half of all bulimics have suffered through physical or sexual abuse.
Treatment of bulimia involves psychotherapy to resolve the conflicts and stresses that brought on the illness. The prescription of antidepressants is common to help the patient until the conflicts are resolved. Keeping a food diary and a record of binges also helps to identify the sources of the stress or conflict.
If you suspect that you or someone you know is suffering from bulimia, contact your physician to locate a therapist or clinic that specializes in dealing with eating disorders.
Note that nagging or begging the bulimic to stop their behavior or change their behavior will only make matters worse. Seek professional help and find out about what you should and should not do to help the bulimic recover.
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