Bulimia: Abnormal increase in sensation of hunger –
an eating disorder on the rise among teenage females. Patients with
this disorder go on repeated eating binges. Typically, they induce
vomiting so that they may eat again, the patient may eat several times
a day (binge), then purge to allow self to vomit. Purging allows
the patient to feel in control of food intake and allows eating to continue
until abdominal pain, sleep, or the presence of another person interrupts
it. Patients with bulimia are obsessed with body shape and weight.
They may also use diuretics and or an excessive use of laxative.
Patient may exercise vigorously, have excessive sleep pattern, and strict
dieting or fasting regimes. Patient may be afraid of not being able
to control weight and their eating binges, they become depressed and have
self – deprecating thoughts after a binge- purge episode.
This eating disorder usually begins in adolescence or early adulthood,
the exact cause of bulimia remains unknown, studies shows that psychosocial
factors that probably contribute to its development include family disturbance
or conflict, struggle for control or self – identity, cultural overemphasis
on physical appearance, and weight requirements associated with competitive
activities. Psychiatric theory leans strongly toward considering
bulimia a syndrome of depression.
Symptoms:
-
Episodic binge eating as often as several times a day, and purging through
vomiting, laxatives, or diuretics.
-
Weight fluctuations (though, exercise usually keep weight within normal
range)
- Excessive exercise schedule
- Feeling of distorted body image
- Low self – esteem, worthlessness, anxiety, and hopelessness
- May have an enlarged lymph glands in the neck
- Often breath smells of mouth wash
- Dental problems
Treatments:
Patient with this disorder knows that his eating pattern is abnormal
but can not control it. Interventions focus on breaking the binge
– purge cycle and helping the patient regain control over eating behavior.
Treatment includes; behavior modification therapy, patient may
be an outpatient basis.
Support group therapy – self help groups, such as Overeaters Anonymous
One on one psychotherapy and family therapy
Antidepressant therapy
We recommend the American Anorexia/Bulimia Association and Anorexia
Nervosa for further assistance and information.
Note: Bulimia is seldom confused with any other physical disorder.
Laboratory tests may rule out hypokalemia or alkalosis associated with
electrolyte imbalances or dehydration.
This this order is very serious, and can lead to complications such
as (heart attack)