Bulimia Nervosa
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Bulimia nervosa is a serious mental health disorder that requires comprehensive treatment. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition, the following symptoms are present in most diagnosed cases:
- Recurrent episodes of binge eating, characterized by eating large amounts of food in a short period and a sense of loss of control overeating behaviors
- Use of inappropriate, compensatory behaviors, such as self-induced vomiting, laxative, or diuretic abuse, fasting, and/or obsessive exercise
- Binge eating and compensatory behaviors that occur at least once a week for three months
- Self-evaluation is inappropriately influenced by the person’s weight and shape
- The disturbance does not occur exclusively during episodes of anorexia nervosa
Signs and Symptoms of Bulimia
- Evidence of binge eating
- Evidence of purging behaviors – frequent trips to the restroom after meals, signs and/or smells of vomiting, presence of wrappers or packages of laxatives or diuretics
- Skipping meals or eating small portions of food at regular meals
- Stealing or hoarding food in strange places
- Drinking excess amounts of water or non-caloric beverages
- Excessive, rigid exercise regimen
- Unusual swelling of the cheeks or jaw area
- Calluses on the back of the hands and knuckles
- Discoloration or staining of the teeth
- Creation of complex lifestyle schedules/rituals to allow time for binge eating and purging
- Withdrawal from friends, family, and/or activities
- Behaviors and attitudes indicating a preoccupation with the importance of weight loss, dieting, and control of food
- Binge eating and compensatory behaviors occur at least once a week for 3 months
- Self-evaluation is inappropriately influenced by the person’s weight and shape
- Extreme mood swings
Health Consequences of Bulimia
As the condition worsens, the symptoms of bulimia nervosa can eventually become more severe. Complications that can arise from an extended battle with bulimia include the following:
- Electrolyte imbalances, which can lead to irregular heartbeats and possibly heart failure and death
- Inflammation and/or rupture of the esophagus
- Tooth decay and/or staining
- Chronic irregular bowel movements and constipation
- Gastric rupture
- Pancreatitis
How We Treat
Our evidence-based clinical treatment modalities for treating bulimia include the following:
If you’d like to learn more about our bulimia treatment program, our caring staff is ready to help. Call us or fill out the form to get started today.
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