Bulimia Nervosa

Symptoms

Diagnostic criteria

Recommended treatment

How common is it?

Eating until the point of discomfort or pain

Eating much more food in a binge episode than in a normal meal or snack

Feeling that you can't control your eating behavior

Recurrent inappropriate compensatory behavior (self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, fasting, excessive exercise) in order to prevent weight gain

The binge eating and inappropriate compensatory behaviors both occur, on average, at least 1 time per week for 3 months

Recurrent episodes of binge eating

Affects 2% of women in the world, and happens to women of all races and ethnicities

Girls/women from ages 15-20s are most at risk

In the US the estimated prevalence is 1.5% among women, and 0.5% among men

5 risk factors/groups

People with depression/anxiety

Families with history of eating disorders

Females

Hospitalization(in-patient or out-patient care or both)

Special diet

Identify symptoms early so they can be treated

Sources

OASH

MedlinePlus

NIH

Misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas

Being preoccupied with your body shape and weight

Forcing yourself to vomit after eating

Exercising excessively after binging

Having a distorted, negative body image

Going to the bathroom after eating or during meals

Abnormal bowel functioning

Damaged teeth and gums

Sores in the throat and mouth

Swollen salivary glands in the cheeks

Dehydration

Sores, scars or calluses on the knuckles or hands

Irregular heartbeat

Menstrual irregularities or loss of menstruation

Anxiety

Depression

Psychotherapy

Self-evaluation is unduly influenced by body shape and weight

The disturbance does not occur exclusively during episodes of anorexia nervosa

Eating disorders are happening more in older women, in one study, 13% of American women over 50 had signs of an eating disorder

Support groups(other people struggling)

Nutrition therapy/counseling

Medicine (Fluoxetine approved for treating bulimia in adults, antidepressants may help females with depression/anxiety)

People with low self esteem

History of trauma or abuse

Major life changes

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