Bulimia nervosa, a common eating disorder, is most common in adolescent through 30-year-old population. Bulimia is more common in females. Obesity is frequently found in parents and siblings. A person suffering from this condition has a predisposition to depression, and have a discord in family relationships. Obsession with food results from a morbid fear of obesity and the pathologic need to binge.
People with bulimia are extremely concerned with their weight, yet they can’t fight the compulsion to binge. So they drastically overeat, and then they purge, fast, or exercise to get rid of the calories. This vicious cycle of bingeing and purging takes a toll on the body, and it’s even harder on emotional well-being. But the cycle can be broken. Effective bulimia treatment and support can help you or a loved one develop a healthier relationship with food and overcome feelings of anxiety, guilt, and shame.
Clinical findings include:
1. Subtypes
a. Purging type: engages in purging behaviors
b. Nonpurging type: uses fasting or excessive exercise, not purging
2. Compulsive eating binges characterized by rapid consumption of excessive amounts of high-caloric foods in brief periods followed by induced purging (vomiting, enemas, laxatives, or diuretics)
3. Periods of severe dieting or fasting between binges
4. Sporadic vigorous exercising between binges
5. Weight may be within normal range with frequent fluctuations above or below normal range because of alternating binges and fasts
6. Lack of control over eating during episode
7. Depression and self-deprecating thoughts follow binges
8. Bingeing and purging pattern occurring at least biweekly, for past 3 months
9. Extroverted
10. Possible intermittent substance abuse
11. Very concerned with body image and appearance
12. Repeated attempts to control or lose weight
Source: helpguide.org
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