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Bulimia Nervosa is a syndrome of chaotic eating behavior identified by cycles of binge eating during which there is a feeling of lack of control, followed by purging in order to prevent weight gain. Purging methods include: self-induced vomiting, fasting, excessive exercise and abuse of laxatives, diuretics or diet pills. Individuals with bulimia may display frequent changes in weight, initially losing weight but then gaining it back, due to the ineffectiveness of purging. The cycle of dieting, bingeing and purging also reinforces one's feelings of guilt, failure, being out of control and of low self-esteem. The term "Bulimia" means ox appetite and is the primary characteristic of this eating disorder. It is marked by recurrent episodes of bingeing and purging. The purge may take the form of self-induced vomiting, obsessive exercise or use of laxatives. Fasting may also be a means to compensate for eating. The bingeing is often secretive. Sufferers of this disorder often appear at normal weight and can hide their condition. Most importantly, bulimics will experience feeling "out of control" over their eating. As with anorexia, bulimics suffer with self-deprecatory feelings and obsession with food and weight. They may or may not have a distorted body image, but there is always an intense fear of becoming fat. About four times as many women suffer from bulimia than anorexia and it had been estimated that upwards to 20% of female college students regularly engage in bulimic behaviors. The destructive process of purging can cause serious medical complications, which can lead to death. Electrolyte imbalance is the most serious for this can lead to cardiac complications. Also, there is a risk of certain ulcerations in the gastrointestinal system that can lead to rupture. Gland infections, dehydration and dental erosion are also common. Many bulimic women also suffer from anxiety disorders and depression, leading to suicidal behavior. Substance abuse is frequently seen as well. Though it may accompany anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa can strike alone. Patients with bulimia nervosa repeatedly diet or vigorously exercise. People with bulimia nervosa differ from those with anorexia nervosa in that they frequently have severe eating binges at least twice a week for at least three months in a row. For downloadable documents about eating disorder symptoms and eating disorder statistics, see our “Getting Treatment” section. Avalon Eating Disorders is a New York inpatient and outpatient clinic for the treatment of Anorexia, Bulimia, Obesity, and Compulsive Overeating. | ||
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