Bulimia Nervosa - Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Bulimia nervosa is known as bulimia asnd it is a type of eating disorder. Some people have bulimia, but eats a lot of food in a short amount of time known as bingeing and then tries to prevent weight gain by purging. Bulimia nervosa such as eating binges followed by feelings of guilt, humiliation,and sell-deprecation. These feelings may cause the patient to engage in self-induced vomiting, follow a strict diet, or fast to overcome the effects of the binges. In which electrolyte imbalances such as metabolic alkalosis, and hypokalemia and dehydration can occur, increasing the risk for physical complications.

Causes Of Bulimia Nervosa

Erosion of tooth enamel because of repeated exposure to acidic gastric contents.

Dental cavities, sensitivity to hot or cold food.

Swelling and soreness in the salivary glands (from repeated vomiting).

Culture. Women in the U.S. are under constant pressure to be very thin. This "ideal" is not realistic for most women. But seeing images of flawless, thin females everywhere can make it hard for women to feel good about their bodies. More and more, men are also feeling pressure to have a perfect body.

Families. It is likely that bulimia runs in families. Many people with bulimia have sisters or mothers with bulimia. Parents who think looks are important, diet themselves, or judge their children's bodies are more likely to have a child with bulimia.

Various psychological factors have been shown to be more common in those with bulimia and thus may be a contributing factor to the onset of this disorder. A low sense of self-esteem, anxiety, and those with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) are some of the most common traits.

Symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa

Obsessive preoccupation with food.

Excessive concern about body shape and weight.

Episodes of bingeing, consuming excessively large amounts of food in a short period of time (usually within two hours).

Episodes of purging to immediately get rid of just-consumed food using self-induced vomiting, taking enemas, or abusing laxatives or other medication.

Other symptoms of bulimia may include the abuse of laxatives, diuretics, and/or diet pills, all of which are a form of purging. Another very common form of bulimia is compulsive and excessive exercising, which is also commonly known as an activity disorder.

Treatment for Bulimia Nervosa

Treatment is most effective when it is implemented early on in the development of the disorder. The most popular form of treatment for the disorder involves some form of therapy, often group psychotherapy or cognitive behavioral therapy.

Anti-psychotics are also used, but in smaller doses than are used for treating schizophrenia . With an eating disorder, the patient perceives reality differently and has difficulty grasping what it is like to eat normally.

Antidepressant medications may help some people with bulimia. Treat bulimia is fluoxetine (Prozac), a type of antidepressant.

Psychotherapy is a cornerstone of bulimia treatment. Using biofeedback may also help you to better manage stress.

The way to treat a bulimic patient is through psychological therapy and nutritional counseling. Depending on the severity of the condition, hospitalization may be required. Support groups for people with eating disorders available and are encouraged. With therapy and support, the bulimic person can eventually develop healthy eating patterns. Treatment of any physical or teeth problems that may occur. This may include taking potassium supplements, dental care, and not using laxatives.