Bulimia nervosa is characterized by recurrent and frequent episodes of eating
unusually large amounts of food (e.g., binge-eating), and feeling a lack of control over
the eating. This binge-eating is followed by a type of behavior that compensates for
the binge, such as purging (e.g., vomiting, excessive use of laxatives or diuretics),
fasting and/or excessive exercise.
Unlike anorexia, people with bulimia can fall within the normal range for their age
and weight. But like people with anorexia, they often fear gaining weight, want
desperately to lose weight, and are intensely unhappy with their body size and shape.
Usually, bulimic behavior is done secretly, because it is often accompanied by feelings
of disgust or shame. The binging and purging cycle usually repeats several times a
week. Similar to anorexia, people with bulimia often have coexisting psychological
illnesses, such as depression, anxiety and/or substance abuse problems. Many
physical conditions result from the purging aspect of the illness, including electrolyte
imbalances, gastrointestinal problems, and oral and tooth-related problems.
Other symptoms include:
 | chronically inflamed and sore throat | |
| swollen glands in the neck and below the jaw | |
| worn tooth enamel and increasingly sensitive and decaying teeth as a result of | |
| exposure to stomach acids | ||
| gastroesophageal reflux disorder | |
| intestinal distress and irritation from laxative abuse | |
| kidney problems from diuretic abuse | |
| severe dehydration from purging of fluids |
As with anorexia, TREATMENT FOR BULIMIA often involves a combination of
options and depends on the needs of the individual.
To reduce or eliminate binge and purge behavior, a patient may undergo nutritional
counseling and psychotherapy, especially cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or be
prescribed medication. Some antidepressants, such as fluoxetine (Prozac), which is
the only medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treating
bulimia, may help patients who also have depression and/or anxiety. It also appears
to help reduce binge-eating and purging behavior, reduces the chance of relapse, and
improves eating attitudes.
CBT that has been tailored to treat bulimia also has shown to be effective in changing
binging and purging behavior, and eating attitudes. Therapy may be individually
oriented or group-based.
This article is authored by the National Institute of Mental Health, part of the National Institutes of Health
(NIH), a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Bulimia Nervosa
| Patricia Kyle Dennis PhD Licensed Clinical Social Worker Saint Louis, Missouri Specialist in the Treatment of Eating Disorders Psychotherapy for Individuals Families Groups |
I am happy to answer your questions about my services in St. Louis, Missouri. Click Here to send me confidential email. |
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