What is Bulimia? Symptoms, Treatments, and Prevention
Being the victim of an eating disorder can be hard. Whether it’s anorexia, Bulimia, or another eating disorder, it’s not easy to cope with being affected by one of these conditions. It’s also not easy to have friends and family members diagnosed with an eating disorder. With so many people in your life battling these issues, it’s more important than ever to understand what you need to know about Bulimia.
It is estimated that around 1% of women currently have Bulimia at any given time, which is why it is such a common subject when discussing eating disorders. If you don’t know much about this condition, read on for some helpful information that can help you understand what you need to know about Bulimia. Let this article serve as a resource when dealing with someone with Bulimia.
What is Bulimia?
Bulimia is an eating disorder that is characterized by uncontrolled binging and purging. Binging is the act of consuming a large amount of food in a short amount of time, often in secret. Purging is getting rid of food shortly after eating by either vomiting or using laxatives.
Some people also exercise excessively after eating to compensate for the calories consumed during their binge. This is a very serious condition that can result in very serious health complications over time. It cannot be overcome by simply wanting to get better. Treatment is often necessary to help people recover from Bulimia.
Wearing long sleeves and long pants in warm weather are two other signs that someone is trying to hide the effects of purging. If your loved one is constantly bringing food with them wherever they go, you may want to consider talking to them about getting help.
Causes of Bulimia
There has not been one single cause of Bulimia that has been proven to be the main cause of this eating disorder. Several factors can contribute to someone developing Bulimia, including: –
Biological: People with family members who have had an eating disorder are more likely to develop one themselves. Those with a family history of eating disorders are more likely to experience an increased amount of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that affects mood, sleep, and appetite. This can make it difficult to stop binge eating.
Psychological: People who have experienced trauma, especially sexual trauma, are more likely to develop an eating disorder. This may be because trauma causes feelings of shame, guilt, and a desire to retreat from the world, which is a very common side effect of eating disorders.
Sociological: Bulimia can be triggered by certain societal messages placed on people trying to be thinner. People who feel like they need to be thinner may try to control their weight by eating less, discovering that the only way to do this is by purging.
How is Bulimia Diagnosed?
Bulimia is diagnosed through a physical examination, as well as through a psychological evaluation. The doctor will be able to conduct a physical exam in order to assess any signs of malnutrition and dehydration, which are common in people with Bulimia.
They will also ask you a series of questions, as well as ask you to fill out a questionnaire, in order to assess your psychological state. Bulimia is diagnosed based on criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which the American Psychiatric Association publishes.
Treating Bulimia
Bulimia can be treated with a combination of psychotherapy and medications, depending on the severity of the case. Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is very effective in treating eating disorders. It works by helping a person recognize how their thinking is contributing to their eating disorder and then helping them to change that way of thinking so they can stop their disordered eating patterns.
DSM-5 states that people with Bulimia should be treated with the same care that people with anorexia are treated with. Both of these eating disorders are serious and can result in death if left untreated. Bulimia should always be treated under the supervision of a medical professional.
Final Words: Severe Bulimia
Bulimia is a serious and potentially deadly eating disorder, and a number of different things can trigger it. Women are more likely to be diagnosed with this disorder, which is most common among people with a high level of anxiety.
It can be treated through medication and therapy, and it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. This article has provided you with all you need to know about Bulimia. Hopefully, this information will prove helpful to you, your friends, and your family members are battling this disorder.
Source –
