| Introduction People with
bulimia worry excessively about their weight, body shape and self-image. Rather than
dieting moderately, they starve themselves for a day or two and then eat uncontrollably
(binge) on high calorie foods such as ice - cream or chocolate. After binge eating, they
use methods to avoid weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting (binge purge bulimia),
using laxatives or excessive exercising. A person affected by bulimia is usually of
average weight, and binge eating and purging by vomiting and using laxatives is carried
out secretly.
Signs and symptoms
Bulimia causes psychological and physical symptoms over time.
The psychological symptoms include,
- A constant craving for food.
- Feelings of isolation, because of eating alone and in secret.
- Guilt and disgust, after binge eating.
There also may be symptoms of depression and anxiety.
The physical symptoms include:
- Severe abdominal pain and swelling immediately following a binge.
- Physical weakness.
- Erosion of tooth enamel by stomach acids contained in vomit.
- Lesions on the knuckles from using finger to induce vomiting.
Bulimia is unlike anorexia as it rarely leads to severe weight loss. However,
repeated excessive vomiting may cause dehydration and chemical imbalances in the blood.
These imbalances sometimes lead to irregular heart rhythms that very rarely cause sudden
death.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for bulimia. People with bulimia may be depressed by
their behaviour and seek medical help themselves. A family friend may encourage the person
to see a doctor. The doctor may look for signs of psychological problems such as
depression , anxiety, substance abuse and may arrange for blood tests to look for chemical
imbalances in the blood. The doctor may recommend a psychological therapy , such as
cognitive therapy, with a therapist who specializes in eating disorders.
It is rare for bulimia to disappear spontaneously. In many cases, there is a risk of
relapse weeks or even months after ending treatment. However, in about 4 out of 5 cases
the frequency of binge eating is reduced by therapy.
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