Bulimia Treatment Centre

BULIMIA NERVOSA TREATMENT CENTRE

PROMIS is a specialist eating disorder treatment centre in the UK. We have over 25 years of experience treating eating disorders like bulimia and other mental health conditions. 

WHAT IS BULIMIA?

The word bulimia comes from the Greek words “boulimos” and “haima,” meaning to have a ravenous hunger. People with this disorder suffer from an obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) related to food, weight, and body image. This disorder is a potentially life-threatening condition that is connected to a cycle of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviours. The action that follows binge eating is known as purging, a behaviour that consists of throwing up to avoid gaining weight. 

THE BINGE EATING PHASE

This phase is characterised by binge eating. In other words, eating unusually large amounts of food in a very short period of time. This part of the process is typically done in secrecy and accompanied by feelings of guilt and shame; more often than not, there are other underlying mental health conditions like anxiety and depression present. 

Those who suffer from binge eating disorders don’t always have bulimia, it’s only those who have both phases, binge eating followed by purging. 

THE PURGING PHASE

Types of Bulimia

This condition is primarily categorised into two types based on the methods used to compensate for binge eating. Understanding these types is crucial for identifying the specific behaviours associated with this eating disorder.

Purging Type

The Purging Type of bulimia is the most commonly recognised form. As explained above, individuals with this type engage in self-induced vomiting or misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas after binging. This behaviour is driven by the desire to eliminate consumed food from the body to prevent weight gain.

Characteristics:

Non-Purging Type

In the Non-Purging Type of bulimia, individuals use other methods to compensate for binge eating, which does not involve purging. These methods include excessive exercise or fasting.

Characteristics:

BULIMIA SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Although both bulimia types vary from one another, they both have some commonalities regarding signs and symptoms that are associated with this particular eating disorder. Here are some of the characteristics they both share: 

This complex mental health disorder has some telltale signs that should be recognised for early intervention and effective treatment. Here, we explain some of the most common signs and symptoms to be aware of if you feel someone close to you is going through or suffering from an eating disorder: 

Physical Signs

Behavioural Signs

  • Secretive Eating Habits: Hiding food or eating in secret due to feelings of shame.
  • Frequent Visits to the Bathroom After Meals: Often to purge after binging.
  • Excessive Exercise: Conduct rigorous physical activity to ‘burn off’ calories.
  • Strict Dieting or Fasting: Alternating between overeating and strict food control.
  • Misuse of Laxatives, Diuretics, or Enemas: As a method of purging.

Emotional and Psychological Signs

  • Preoccupation with Body Image and Weight: An intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image.
  • Mood Swings and Emotional Instability: Feelings of guilt, shame, or depression after binging.
  • Low Self-Esteem: Often linked to body dissatisfaction.
  • Impulsive Behavior: May extend beyond eating habits to other areas of life.

Social and Interpersonal Signs

  • Withdrawal from Social Activities: Especially those involving food.
  • Strained Relationships: Due to secretive behaviour and mood swings.
  • Performance Issues at Work or School: As a result of the mental and physical strain of the disorder.

If you think a loved one is experiencing or showing any symptoms, it’s important to talk to them about their relationship with food and offer them help through specialised treatment plans. 

EATING DISORDER TREATMENT PROGRAMMES FOR BULIMIA

COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY

GROUP THERAPY

FAMILY THERAPY

NUTRITIONAL AND DIET MANAGEMENT

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