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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