Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa consists of a damaging cycle of binging on food then purging it from the body in unsafe ways, including vomiting, overuse of laxatives, starvation or other other extreme methods. Because of the second part of the cycle, many people who suffer from bulimia also have problems with anorexia, but this isn't true in all cases. Most people will have several binge sessions that will leave them feeling guilty and depressed. These feelings are what leads to some people taking drastic measures to try to make up for the food they have eaten. As you might imagine, this can take quite a toll on the body. As with other eating disorders, there is both physical and emotional damage connected with bulimia that are very closely connected. There are many complications associated with bulimia, including dehydration, dental cavities, and various problems with the throat and stomach.

Causes of Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia affents women more than men, but it is generally seen in adolescent girls. A combination of genetics and other factors are usually the cause of bulimia. What makes it worse is that the initial binge eating episodes that are centered around emotional responses and feelings cause other emotional reactions (typically fear and guilt) that can lead to the second phase of bulimia nervosa - the purging. Because they are tied so closely together, it is difficult for some people to break the cycle. This is why it is important for those who suffer from bulimia to get help.

Treating Bulimia Nervosa

As this is primarily a mental disorder that displays itself in the eating habits of those it effects, one of the best ways to treat bulimia is to seek the help of a therapist trained in dealing with this particular type of eating disorder. Counseling and therapy are both great methods to get control of your life when it comes to food, which can help you with the physical problems associated with bulimia. Without the side effects associated with antidepressants, therapy can help solve the root cause of the problem of bulimia. A recent option for treatment of bulimia is online communities that have been set-up to help people treat bulimia.

Definition of Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is a pattern of overeating - the binge - then using unsafe methods to avoid weight gain - the purge. Both of these parts of the cycle can have drastic negative effects on the body. The root cause of this eating disorder is usually tied to other mental disorders, although this isn't the case all the time. Because of this, one of the better ways to treat bulimia is cognitive-behavioral therapy and support groups. Many people have found online therapy a good way to treat bulimia.

Symptoms of / Reasons for Bulimia Nervosa

• Binge eating
• Self-induced vomiting
• Obsession with scales and weighing
• Compulsive behavior.