Bulimia Nervosa Eating Disorder

Oct 04, 2018

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder that is characterized by strong urges to eat large quantities of food followed by a period of regret where the individual makes attempts to purge the calories and avoid weight gain.

Causes

There are many factors that may be involved in causing bulimia nervosa, including:

Genetic susceptibility
Hormonal changes
Low self-esteem
Predisposition to depression or anxiety
Stressful or emotional life events
Extreme pressure to maintain low body weight

Most patients with bulimia nervosa have several of these risk factors and develop symptoms of bulimia nervosa due to multiple causes. However, the exact cause is not well established, and many other individuals with similar risk factors are not affected by the disorder.

Bulimia Cycle

People with bulimia nervosa tend to cycle through the following distinct stages:

Strict dieting and fear of gaining weight
Anxiety due to cravings for prohibited
Consumption of large quantity of food in short timeframe
Purging calories by inducing vomiting, or using laxatives or diuretics
Shame of binge eating episode and renewed strict diet to control weight

As the cycle continues, the affected individuals feel their consumption of food is increasingly out of control and their obsession with body weight heightens. This leads to the enforcement of a stricter diet and, as a result, an increased likelihood of binge eating.

Patients with bulimia often feel embarrassed about the condition and may try to hide the symptoms or evidence of binge eating from friends and family members.

Complications

There are several complications that may affect people with bulimia, particularly associated with the purging methods after a binge-eating episode.

An imbalance of electrolytes in the blood can have serious consequences, such as causing arrhythmias in the heart, which is potentially fatal. Additionally, the psychological issues associated with the condition can increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Other complications associated with purging by vomiting or using laxatives include tooth decay, gum disease, esophageal damage, intestinal damage, and permanent constipation.

Diagnosis

The diagnostic criteria for bulimia nervosa according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) are:

Recurrent episodes of binge eating
Feeling of shame or guilt after episodes
Purging of extra to avoid weight (by vomiting, excessive exercise, fasting, use of diuretics or laxatives)
Binge and purge at least once a week for three consecutive months
Self-confidence significantly affected by body weight and shape
No diagnosis of anorexia

The diagnostic process will usually include a patient consultation, physical examination and psychological evaluation in order to make an accurate diagnosis of bulimia nervosa. Other diagnostic tests, such as a blood test, urine test or echocardiogram may also be required to investigate the severity and possible complications.

Treatment

The primary component of bulimia nervosa treatment is psychotherapy to address the underlying psychological issues that are linked to the negative body image and unhealthy eating habits. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), family-based therapy and interpersonal therapy are among the most common types of psychotherapy used for bulimic patients.

In some cases, pharmacotherapy with antidepressant medications such as fluoxetine may also be indicated.

It is essential that patients have access to a strong support network that can encourage and support them during their recovery period. This often involves a combination of understanding family members, support from health professionals and an eating disorder support group with other individuals that have similar struggles.

Epidemiology

Bulimia nervosa is most common in adolescent and young women, with approximately 1-2% of this population group affected. In fact, 80% of bulimia nervosa patients are female, although the incidence in males in on the increase.