What Is Bulimia Nervosa : Meaning, Types, Causes and Symptoms

 

                          Bulimia Nervosa

 

We all like models or celebrities and often try to follow them. Many people also try to become like them. So they try some dieting to become slim like them. But sometimes it becomes a disorder which causes much harm to the person.

So today we are going to know about a disorder which is actually an eating disorder and it is a lifelong challenge to cope with it. And this disorder is difficult to treat because the person suffering from it doesn’t accept the fact that it is a disorder and he/she needs help.

Today’s topic is bulimia nervosa and currently many people are suffering from this disorder. And I hope that by reading today’s post you can really understand all about the disorder.

In this post you will get to know about

• What is Bulimia nervosa
• Types
• Causes and risk factors
• Symptoms
• Diagnosis and
• Treatment of bulimia nervosa

So without further delay let’s start the main post.

 

What Is Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is actually an eating disorder which is also known as binge-purge syndrome. It is a mental illness which can have severe lifelong consequences. It is also called simply as bulimia.

Bulimia nervosa is mainly refers to as repeated episodes of eating in binge in which people eats large quantity of foods without control and that is followed by compensatory behaviors like fasting, vomiting, excessive use of laxatives and diuretics, exercise to lose weight.

Bulimia mainly starts in late childhood or early adulthood. This people usually binge and purge in secretly and they feel ashamed and disgusted when they binge but feel relieved after they purge.

This disorder is mainly common in women than men. And these people have normal body weights but they have a fear that they may gain weight and try to lose it. Sometimes teenagers do occasional binge and purging being influenced by the media.

 
Types of Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is mainly divided into two subtypes because of its different symptoms and behaviors. These are purging type and non-purging type.

   1.Purging Type

This is actually most common types of bulimia nervosa. It includes doing purging behaviors like vomiting and laxative or diuretics after eating a lot of food in the binge periods.

   2.Non-Purging Type

In this type people don’t actively expel the food out of their body. They also do some compensatory behaviors after binge periods but they do some different things. They fast, exercise to compensate. But they don’t use purging behaviors.

 

Causes and Risk factors

Actually there is no one cause which can be the exact cause of this disorder. And researchers are trying to find out the actual cause of bulimia nervosa. There are many factors which can increase the risk of having this disorder. These are given below

   Biological

Some biological and genetic factors are related with bulimia nervosa. Like family history of having eating disorders or any kind of mental illness, being overweight as a child or teenage can increase this risk.

   Psychological

If anyone has a negative perception of oneself then it can increase the risk. Many psychological problems like stress, depression, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse disorders are closely linked with eating disorders. Traumatic events, poor self esteem also increase the risk.

   Dieting

Dieting history plays a role in developing this disorder. If someone is dissatisfied with his/her body, weight or size then he/she will do dieting to get the desired shape. So those people who do frequently dieting can develop this disorder.

 

Signs and Symptoms

There are some signs and symptoms of bulimia nervosa which can help you to find out if you or any close ones are suffering from this or not. These are

• fear of gaining weight
• eat a large amount of foods in one setting and repeat this many times
• always think about one’s body weight, shape and size.
• fear of losing control in binge periods like can’t control himself when eat
• after binge always force to vomit or doing exercise to keep away from getting weight.
• using diuretics, laxatives or fasting, restricting calories after eating to avoid gaining weight
• constipation, diarrhea, peptic ulcers, fatigue
• infertility, irregular periods in females
• suicidal tendencies, self-harming
• delusions can occur, depression, anxiety disorders, sleep problems
• dental problems, swollen glands in neck and face, dizziness, dry skin, brittle nails
• try to avoid meals and eating in front of people, drinking a lot of water

So these are the signs and symptoms of bulimia nervosa. If you or anyone you know is having any of these symptoms, then you should contact a professional as soon as possible to get better treatment.

 

Diagnosis of Bulimia Nervosa

When you think that you may have bulimia nervosa then you must see a professional for better care. Professional people will ask you some question to understand the symptoms.

Like, he/she will ask you about your eating habits, physical symptoms. Then he will do physical exam to see if you’re suffering from any physical diseases or not. Also do blood, urine and heart exam.

You will have to do some psychological test which includes some questions related to body image. Lastly he/she will use DSM-5 criteria of bulimia nervosa to ensure.

DSM-5 criteria for Bulimia nervosa are

• repeated happenings of binge eating periods
• doing repeatedly compensatory behaviors like forced vomiting or exercise to prevent weight gains.
• the symptoms should take place at least weekly for a period of 3 months.
• negative perceptions of weight and shape of oneself.

 

Treatment

When anyone is suffering from bulimia then he/she needs different types of treatment. And this treatment works well when you, your family, professional worker and dietitian work together.

Treatment includes

  Psychotherapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy helps you to understand the negative thoughts and help to replace it with positive thoughts and behaviors. Family based treatment try to help parents to help teenagers to gain control over eating habits. Another is interpersonal psychotherapy which helps to focus on problems in relationship with other people.

  Medication

Antidepressants can also be given to the people. But it works well with combination of any other therapy.

  Hospitalization

If the symptoms are severe with serious health problems then you may need treatment in hospital.

  Nutrition

Dietitians can help you to plan good eating habits to avoid hunger. You should eat regularly and try not to restrict foods to get better outcomes.

 

Actually we don’t know what causes bulimia so it’s mainly difficult to know what can prevent it. But we can try to maintain certain things to keep it out. These things are look after body, always connect with others, try to maintain healthy eating habits, avoid fad dieting, have regular meals with family etc.

Bulimia nervosa is really difficult to cure and many people really improve. But sometimes it can relapse also. So it’s very important to stick to the treatment plan and all family members should help the person.

So this was the main discussion of today’s topic. It is becoming a concern issues this days. And I hope that this post will really help you to understand the issue. Thank you. See you in the next post.

Sources

 Bulimia Nervosa: Eating Disorders. In: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-5. 5th ed. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association; 2013.