Eating disorders are serious health issues that can be life-threatening. They lead to major changes in how a person eats which affects daily functioning. 

Data from the World Health Organization showed that about 14 million people are struggling with eating disorders, including nearly 3 million children and teens. Disorders like anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa involve unhealthy eating habits and a strong focus on food, body weight, and shape. These issues can lead to serious health risks, emotional distress, and difficulties in daily life.

Specifically, people with bulimia nervosa have a higher risk of substance abuse, suicidal thoughts, and health problems. Fortunately, effective treatments are available here at PROMIS which involves a combination of therapy, nutrition management, and medication.

What Is Bulimia Nervosa

People with Bulimia Nervosa suffer from behavioural problems 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 called purging which consists of throwing up to avoid gaining weight. Bulimia nervosa involves two phases:

Binge Eating Phase

This phase is characterised by eating unusually large amounts of food in a short period. Typically, it is done in secrecy and accompanied by feelings of guilt and shame. 

Purging Phase

The purging phase happens when you engage in regurgitating the food to rid the body of the excess calories consumed during binge eating. Some of the common purging behaviours include misusing laxatives, and diuretics, excessive exercise, and self-induced vomiting.

Types of Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia Nervosa 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 and for appropriate treatment recommendations.

Purging Type

If you have the purging type of bulimia nervosa, you force yourself to vomit or you attempt to misuse laxatives, diuretics, enemas, or other medications that empty the intestines.

Non-Purging Type

If you have a non-purging type, you are likely using other behaviours such as fasting and excessive exercise rather than purging. 

Signs And Symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa

If you are experiencing the following signs and symptoms, you might be suffering from Bulimia Nervosa:

Physical Symptoms

Typically, the following physical symptoms of bulimia may manifest after repeated purging:

  • Dehydration
  • Low blood pressure
  • Gastrointestinal problems
  • Fatigue
  • Swollen cheeks due to self-induced vomiting

Physical Symptoms

Some behavioural or psychological symptoms of this condition may include:

  • Fear of gaining weight
  • Preoccupation with body shape, weight, and appearance
  • Repeated episodes of eating large amounts of food in a short period
  • Hiding food
  • Going to the comfort room following meals
  • Performing compensatory behaviours (e.g., purging)
  • Periods of extreme dieting 

Bulimia Treatment Options

At PROMIS, we provide private treatment with an experienced multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals. We offer a range of therapies and a multitude of helpful resources to help combat bulimia nervosa and get you back to living a healthy and fulfilling life.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a talk therapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviours associated with eating problems. It helps you identify triggers for binge eating and purging and develop healthier coping mechanisms. CBT also addresses issues relating to the way you see your body, self-esteem, and relationship with food, which are often at the core of bulimic behaviours.

Group Therapy

Group therapy sessions provide a supportive environment for sharing experiences and strategies among people with bulimia nervosa. It’s beneficial in normalising the struggles faced by those with this condition and offers a sense of community and understanding. Group sessions often include skill-building activities, discussions, and shared learning experiences that foster recovery and personal growth for people with eating disorders.

Family Therapy

This type of therapy involves family members in the treatment process. Family therapy aims to improve communication and resolve conflicts or other problems in family interaction that could trigger eating behaviour problems. It also educates family members about the nature of bulimia nervosa.

Generally, this treatment aids families in supporting their loved ones in recovery, creating a healthier home environment that discourages disordered eating behaviours.

Nutritional And Diet Management

This treatment allows you to work with dietitians or nutritionists to establish healthy eating patterns. Nutritional counselling educates you about balanced diets, helps in meal planning, and aims to address any misconceptions about food and weight. The primary goal is to help you develop a positive relationship with food and understand the importance of nutrition for overall health.

Medication

Although there is no specific medication that addresses the symptoms of bulimia nervosa, data from research and clinical practice showed that antidepressants work on reducing depressive and anxiety symptoms that are often comorbid with bulimia nervosa.

Get Help With PROMIS

If you or someone you love is struggling with bulimia nervosa or any eating disorder, you need to reach out and seek help. Bulimia nervosa often requires intensive treatment from specialists, not only to aid in acquiring a healthy relationship with food but also to gain an understanding of the condition and promote both physical and emotional well-being.

Successful treatment for bulimia nervosa at PROMIS has provided thousands of people with hope and a new beginning.

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