Conventional Medical Treatment for Bulimia

Description

Like anorexia, bulimia is an eating disorder that most often strikes young women. Theories about what causes the condition abound. An imbalance of serotonin levels, a perfectionist attitude, social pressures to be thin, fear of one's sexuality, and mental disturbances are all hypotheses for what causes bulimia.

Because a bulimic's weight is often normal or near-normal, and because binge-eating and purging are often done in secret, bulimia is difficult to diagnose. Families should look for the regular disappearance of large amounts of food from the house (unless the bulimic purchases her own), food wrappers and containers hidden in her bedroom, scrapes over the knuckles-particularly the second and third fingers-caused by induced vomiting, and a change in the color of tooth enamel caused by the corrosive stomach acid. Laxatives or diuretic packages and frequent, excessive exercise workouts are also warning signs.

Signs and Symptoms

Periodic bingeing (eating large amounts of food within a given period of time) followed by purging (self-induced vomiting)

Concern with weight and figure, though most bulimics remain in the normal weight range for their height

Teeth scrapes on the knuckles of fingers from induced vomiting

Discolored teeth or cavities from enamel erosion caused by stomach acid that is vomited up

Periods of exercise after bingeing

Overuse of laxatives and/or diuretics

Feelings of shame or low self-worth following a binge

Depression

Effects of bulimia

Bulimia causes serious physical and emotional effects. Some of the major effects of bulimia include an imbalance in electrolytes; problems with teeth, gums, and lips; depression; low self-esteem; and damaged family and social relationships.

Conventional Medical Treatment

Though bulimics are less likely than anorexics to waste away to nothing, they are at risk for a variety of serious health problems, including life threatening dehydration, potassium depletion, cardiac arrhythmia, and tooth decay. Thus, if you suspect the condition in yourself or a loved one, it is important to visit a physician.

After performing a thorough physical examination to assess your overall health, the physician asks about your medical history and interviews you about your attitudes toward food and weight. If a diagnosis of bulimia is made, your physician may suggest a psychotherapist and/or a nutritionist to help you overcome the problem. You also may be referred to a self-help therapy group for people who are fighting bulimia. Relapses are common, though bulimia can be overcome with long-term psychotherapy.