Bulimia nervosa , also called bulimia, is an eating disorder. Eating disorders are potentially life-threatening mental health conditions. People with bulimia often eat very large amounts of food in secret and in a short period of time. The patient is unable to stop and control themselves during eating bouts. Some unhealthy methods, such as regular vomiting, may be chosen to compensate for the excess calories after eating episodes.
People with bulimia may resort to different methods to prevent weight gain after binge eating, such as weight loss supplements, laxatives, urine openers or enemas. Many eating disorder patients who may also resort to fasting, strict dieting and excessive exercise are also obsessed with weight and appearance. These obsessions can damage a person's physical and emotional health.
The patient may often not be able to cope with this disorder on their own. Therefore, effective treatment can help the person to have more positive thoughts about themselves, to accept healthy eating habits and to reverse the significant complications that eating disorders can cause.
What are the Symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa?
It is a common condition among eating disorders. Patients with bulimia may have many physical symptoms, emotional and behavioral movements. Since patients often eat secretly, it can be difficult to detect this condition. Behavioral and emotional symptoms seen in bulimia patients can be listed as follows:
- Constant fear of gaining weight
- Preoccupation with body shape and weight
- Eating too much food in one meal
- Not realizing what you are eating and losing control during food attacks
- Forced vomiting or going to the toilet after a meal to prevent weight gain
- Feeling shame or guilt about eating
- Too much exercise and dieting after eating attacks
- Using laxatives, diuretics or enemas after a meal
- Depression and anxiety
- Withdrawal and withdrawal from family and friends
In addition, bulimia patients may also experience some physical symptoms and complications such as constant vomiting and tooth enamel erosion due to stomach acid. Physical complications and symptoms of bulimia nervosa are as follows:
- Damage to teeth and gums
- Swelling of the hands and feet
- Swelling of the cheeks and jawline
- Scars, abrasions or calluses on the knuckles
- Redness in the eyes
- Menstrual regularity
- Muscle loss and weakness
- Fluid loss
In case of symptoms, people should seek medical help immediately. If left untreated, they can seriously and significantly affect a person's health. For this reason, patients should first see a specialist doctor or a mental health specialist.
What Causes Bulimia Nervosa?
The causes of bulimia nervosa are not known for certain. As seen in different disorders, some hereditary, physiological, biological, emotional health and different factors may be involved in the emergence of eating disorders. These disorders may differ from person to person.
The risk of bulimia is higher in women than in men. It can also usually be seen at the end of adolescence or during the transition to adulthood. Biological and genetic factors may come first among the risk factors.
People with a family history of this type of eating disorder are more likely to develop it. In addition, individuals who were overweight in childhood or youth are more likely to have an eating disorder in the future.
Having any psychological and emotional problems can also cause eating disorders. Disorders caused by disorders such as depression and anxiety may be linked to eating disorders. Eating disorders can also be seen in people who are exposed to stress due to some traumatic events.
People who are on a diet are also more likely to have conditions such as eating disorders. Strict diets to prevent weight gain after overeating, which is seen in most patients with bulimia, can make the person obsessed with weight.
Complications of Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia can cause many serious and even life-threatening complications. Complications of bulimia nervosa include
- Self-esteem, i.e. lack of self-esteem
- Severe tooth decay and gum disease
- Absence or irregular menstruation in women
- Digestive problems
- Significant medical problems such as kidney failure due to dehydration
- Anxiety, depression, personality disorders or bipolar disorder
- Alcohol or drug use
- Thoughts of self-harm
- Heart problems such as arrhythmia or heart failure
Diagnosis of Bulimia Nervosa
To diagnose bulimia nervosa , the doctor will perform a physical examination. The specialist may ask some questions to learn the patient's medical history and symptoms in detail. After the examination and questions, some blood and urine tests may be ordered if the doctor deems it necessary.
The doctor may order an electrocardiogram test to identify any heart problems that may be present. He or she may also need different reversals to determine the medical causes of weight-related differences and to check for complications.
If no health problems are encountered as a result of the above tests and examinations, the person may be referred to mental health specialists to evaluate the situation psychologically.
Bulimia Nervosa Treatment
Bulimia nervosa can be treated with different methods depending on the severity of the disease and the condition of the case. First of all, the patient must accept this condition and be open to treatment. Patients who accept the treatment and are aware of the problem have a higher recovery rate. There are many techniques and methods in treatment. These can include psychological, nutritional, medication and family support techniques.
These can be listed as follows:
Psychotherapy
It is when a person talks to a mental health professional about their eating disorder and the problems that arise from it. Psychotherapeutic techniques are known to improve such symptoms and help people to overcome other problems.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy not only treats eating disorders, but also allows the person to replace negative thoughts with positive ones.
In family-based therapies, the problems caused by the disorder in the person's development and family are discussed and these situations are resolved.
In interpersonal psychotherapy, difficulties in the patient's close relationships are addressed. Interpersonal communication is tried to be improved. In addition, solution skills are developed for any problems that may arise with different people.
In addition to all these, the information that the person will convey to the specialist about his/her disease and the suggestion of the psychotherapy method that will benefit the problems he/she notices in himself/herself ensures that the treatment is carried out effectively.
Medications
When used in combination with psychotherapy and on the advice of a doctor, antidepressants can help to reduce the symptoms of bulimia in many cases. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor-type medications can often be used to treat the eating disorder, depending on the doctor's recommendation and the condition.
Nutrition Education
A healthy nutrition plan is prepared by a specialized dietician. It is important for patients to eat according to this plan in terms of recovery.