Bulimia

Bulimia nervosa, also called bulimia, is a mental disorder characterized by patterns of recurrent binge eating but following it with subsequent inappropriate compensatory behavior such as purging methods like induced vomiting and use of laxatives, and non-purging methods like fasting and extreme exercising. Bulimics feel disappointed whenever they binge but relieved when they perform any of the compensatory acts. Normally, this eating pattern happens several times in a week but in worse cases, it can occur many times in a day.

Causes

The cause of bulimia is not exact. It seems to be genetic as children are susceptible to inheriting the same from their parents. Other reasons are social and psychological factors, which may result in making bulimics feel dissatisfied about their bodies, fear weight gain and perceive weight issues as a sensitive matter.

Symptoms

The effects of bulimia include physical and mental symptoms. Physical signs include bloodshot eyes, irregular periods, exhaustion, lower sex drive and weakness. Frequent vomiting can cause chronic gastric reflux and inflammation of the esophagus. Other digestion problems can also occur such as bloating, constipation, dehydration, heartburn and indigestion. Repeated contact of gastric acid to the teeth can also cause teeth problems such as caries and cavities.

Because of compensatory acts after bingeing, most people with bulimia lack essential vitamins and minerals and electrolyte imbalance. In severe case, heart problems can occur such as irregular heartbeat and heart attack. The condition can also be accompanied by psychological symptoms such as depression, mood swings and higher risk for suicidal behavior.

Diagnosis

Bulimia is not easily recognizable since most bulimics are surreptitious about their eating habits and compensatory acts, and do not tend to be excessively thin like those with anorexia nervosa. Criteria for diagnosing this condition is made by psychiatrists and clinical psychologists based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American Psychological Association. Diagnosis is made by an evaluation of the signs of bulimia such as recurrent episodes of bingeing followed by improper compensatory conduct to prevent weight gain.

Treatment

There are different bulimia treatments that can be combined to treat bulimic patients. In most cases, medications are prescribed to patients to help them cope up with the symptoms of bulimia such as antidepressants and MAO inhibitors. Bulimia recovery can also be hastened by psychotherapy by which patients will undergo rehabilitation concerning food and weight concerns.