Where is bulimia located

A person with bulimia nervosa will experience a sense of lack of control and will eat a large amount of food within a relatively short period of time. The person will often feel guilt and shame during or after the episode and will engage in compensatory behaviours with the intention to prevent weight gain. Bulimia nervosa is a serious, potentially life-threatening mental illness.

Bulimia nervosa is characterised by recurrent episodes of binge eating, followed by compensatory behaviours, such as vomiting or excessive exercise to prevent weight gain. A person with bulimia nervosa can become stuck in a cycle of eating in an out-of-control manner, followed by attempts to compensate for this, which can lead to feelings of shame, guilt and disgust.

These behaviours can become more compulsive and uncontrollable over time, and lead to an obsession with food, thoughts about eating or not eating , weight loss, dieting and body image. These behaviours are often concealed and people with bulimia nervosa may attempt to keep their eating and exercise habits secret. As a result, bulimia nervosa may go undetected for a long period of time. Compensatory behaviours are used as a way of trying to prevent weight gain after binge eating episodes.

They include:. Self-evaluation A person with bulimia nervosa places an excessive emphasis on body shape or weight in their self-evaluation.

The elements that contribute to the development of bulimia nervosa are complex, and involve a range of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors. Any person, at any stage of their life, is at risk of developing an eating disorder. An eating disorder is a mental illness, not a choice that someone has made.

The warning signs of bulimia nervosa can be physical, psychological, and behavioural. Blood tests may be done to check overall health and nutritional status. How is bulimia treated? A healthcare provider and a nutritionist will be part of your care. Your family can play a vital supportive role in any treatment process.

In some cases, a hospital stay may be needed to treat electrolyte problems. What are the complications of bulimia? Support is necessary. Try to involve your family and friends in your care. When should I call my healthcare provider? If your symptoms get worse or you have new symptoms, tell your healthcare provider. Key points about bulimia Bulimia is an eating disorder. It is characterized by uncontrolled episodes of overeating called bingeing.

This is followed by purging by self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, and other methods. Bulimia typically affects females and starts during the teenage years.

Society and cultural ideals that assign value based on body weight and shape play a role in the cause. So does genetics. People with bulimia keep it very private and hidden.

Bulimia is usually treated with a combination of individual therapy and family therapy. Purging—for example, by making themselves vomit self-induced vomiting or taking laxatives or diuretics drugs that cause the kidneys to excrete more water.

Unlike in anorexia nervosa, the body weight of people with bulimia nervosa tends to fluctuate around normal. Only a few are overweight or obese. Unlike in binge-eating disorder Binge-Eating Disorder Binge-eating disorder is an eating disorder characterized by the repeated consumption of unusually large amounts of food binge eating with a feeling of loss of control during and after the Self-induced vomiting can erode tooth enamel, enlarge the salivary glands in the cheeks parotid glands , and inflame the esophagus.

Vomiting can lower potassium levels in the blood, causing abnormal heart rhythms. Sudden death can result from an abnormal heart rhythm in people who repeatedly take large quantities of ipecac to induce vomiting. Rarely, during a binge or purge, the stomach ruptures or the esophagus tears, leading to life-threatening complications.

People with bulimia nervosa are preoccupied with and judge themselves based on their weight and body shape. Their self-esteem is largely based on their body weight and shape. Compared with people who have anorexia nervosa, those who have bulimia nervosa tend to be more aware of their behavior and to feel remorseful or guilty about it. They are more likely to admit their concerns to a doctor or other confidant. Generally, people with bulimia nervosa are more outgoing. They also are more prone to impulsive behavior, drug or alcohol abuse Overview of Substance-Related Disorders Drugs are an integral part of everyday life for many people, whether the drugs are used for legitimate medical purposes or recreationally see table Drugs with Medical and Recreational Uses They are anxious about their weight and about participation in social activities.

Compensate for the binges by purging for example, by making themselves vomit or using laxatives , by fasting, or by exercising excessively. Express marked concern about weight gain and base their self-image largely on weight and body shape. Wide fluctuations in weight, especially if there are clues suggesting excessive laxative use such as diarrhea and abdominal cramps.

Treatment of bulimia nervosa may include cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, and drug therapy. The symptoms of bulimia nervosa may resemble other medical problems or psychiatric conditions. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis. Parents, family members, spouses, teachers, coaches, and instructors may be able to identify an individual with bulimia nervosa, although many persons with the disorder initially keep their illness very private and hidden.

As stated, bingeing and purging behaviors are often done secretively and the evidence of these behaviors may be hidden for long periods of time. Moreover, people with bulimia nervosa often maintain a normal weight.

Therefore, a detailed history of the individual's behavior from family, parents, and teachers, clinical observations of the person's behavior contribute to the diagnosis. Because a number of medical conditions can mimic some features of bulimia nervosa, a complete medical evaluation is needed. However, blood tests may be normal. Family members who note symptoms of bulimia nervosa in a loved one can help by seeking an evaluation and treatment early. Even though an individual with bulimia nervosa may deny their behaviors and any need for concern, early treatment is essential in preventing future problems.

Bulimia nervosa, and the malnutrition that results, can adversely affect nearly every organ system in the body, increasing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. Bulimia nervosa can be fatal. Consult a physician for more information. Bulimia nervosa is usually treated with a combination of medical care focused on nutrition rehabilitation, individual therapy, family therapy, behavior modification related to eating and exercise habits.

This may occur in an inpatient hospital program, a day treatment center or a series of outpatient appointments with therapists, physicians and nutritionists. Treatment should always be based on a comprehensive evaluation of the individual and family.

Individual therapy usually includes cognitive and behavioral therapy CBT. This therapy is centered on helping individuals with bulimia nervosa to adopt healthier ways of thinking and acting. Medication may also be helpful when used in conjunction with individual therapy.

Prozac, Zoloft or Celexa are now considered a standard of treatment, even if the patient is not feeling depressed or anxious.