0
0
Key facts
- Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder and serious mental health condition.
- People with bulimia nervosa binge eat and use compensatory behaviours to manage their weight.
- There’s no single cause of bulimia nervosa.
- If you or someone you know has bulimia nervosa, it’s important to get help early.
What is bulimia nervosa?
Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder. An eating disorder is not a choice but a complex mental health condition.
Bulimia nervosa involves binge eating (eating a large amount of food in a short period of time). A person with bulimia nervosa can find it very difficult to control their eating during a binge.
This is followed by compensatory behaviours to manage their weight. This may be a combination of:
- vomiting
- misusing medicines such as laxatives or diuretics
- extreme exercise
- fasting
- inappropriate use of drugs for weight control
This pattern of binge eating and compensatory behaviours can become more compulsive and uncontrollable over time.
These behaviours are often hidden. As with other eating disorders, bulimia nervosa can lead to serious health problems, but treatment is available.
What are the signs of bulimia nervosa?
Signs of bulimia can be:
- physical
- psychological
- behavioural
Binge eating disorder
Although people with bulimia binge eat, there’s a separate disorder called binge-eating disorder.
People with binge-eating disorder eat large quantities of food in a short period of time. However, they don’t use compensatory behaviours to manage their weight after binge eating.
What causes bulimia nervosa?
There’s no single cause of bulimia nervosa. It’s thought to be associated with a combination of:
- genetic factors
- environmental influences
- social causes
- cultural reasons
Anyone can develop an eating disorder.
When should I see my doctor?
If you or someone you know has bulimia nervosa, it’s important to get help.
The earlier you get help the closer you are to recovery.
Your doctor can give you support and help you get treatment.
How is bulimia nervosa diagnosed?
Your doctor may:
- ask about your symptoms
- do a physical examination
- ask about your medical history
- order blood tests
- arrange other tests
Your doctor may refer you to:
- an eating disorder specialist
- a psychologist or psychiatrist
- a dietitian
How is bulimia nervosa treated?
The first step is to see a doctor. Treatment for adults is a bit different than that for people aged less than 18 years.
Psychotherapy can be used to treat bulimia. Types of psychotherapy for bulimia nervosa can include:
- eating disorder focussed cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)
- interpersonal psychotherapy
- Maudsley family-based treatment (for children and adolescents)
- dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)
- guided imagery
Other treatments that may be used are:
- evidence-based self-help programs
- crisis intervention
- stress management
It’s important to restore healthy eating habits. Seeing a dietitian for nutrition advice can be very helpful.
Some people with bulimia nervosa may be treated with antidepressant medicine. These medicines are used to reduce anxiety and improve your mood and self-control.
If you need more intensive treatment and support, you may be treated in hospital.
The earlier you get treatment, the greater your chance of recovery.
Recovering from bulimia nervosa
Recovery from bulimia looks and feels different for everyone.
You may have relapses during your recovery. These are common. You can learn more about yourself and what may trigger your symptoms if you do have a relapse.
Getting professional help is important. Sometimes someone else can help you better understand your triggers.
It’s also important to stay in touch with family and friends who care about you. This can help you feel connected. Be kind to yourself and start spending time on your interests.
Can bulimia nervosa be prevented?
As the cause of bulimia nervosa isn’t known, it can’t be prevented.
However, if you’re a parent you can encourage your child to have a healthy relationship with food. You can build their confidence in things other than how they look.
Sitting down to eat together as a family and discouraging dieting may also help prevent an eating disorder.
Are there complications of bulimia nervosa?
Bulimia nervosa can cause serious damage to your physical health. Some of the physical symptoms of bulimia nervosa are:
- chronic sore throat, indigestion, heartburn and reflux
- inflammation of your oesophagus or stomach due to frequent vomiting
- stomach ulcers and intestinal ulcers
- Chronic (ongoing) constipation or diarrhoea due to misuse of laxatives
- osteoporosis
- loss of, or changes in, menstrual periods
- an increased risk of infertility
- irregular or slow heartbeat leading to an increased risk of heart failure
