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Bulimia Nervosa

"Sometimes I can't help it, I just have to eat, and then I can't stop.
After that I have no choice but to make myself throw-up."

"I am ashamed that I purge, but if I didn't, I would be really obese.
And that is worse than purging."

The essential feature of bulimia nervosa is binge eating. To binge means eating more than most people would in that situation and the eating feels out of control. Another critical feature is compensating for the binge eating in some fashion, such as self-induced vomiting, using laxatives, diuretics or diet pills, excessive exercise or fasting. Like anorexia nervosa, individuals with bulimia nervosa place an exaggerated emphasis upon body size and appearance as the basis for judging one's worth and that of others.

Medical Complications

One very serious consequence of repeated vomiting or laxative use is that the body is depleted of important chemicals like sodium and potassium, called electrolytes. Electrolyte depletion can disrupt heart functioning and cause deterioration of the kidneys, both of which are potentially fatal.
Other medical complications include erosion of the teeth, constipation, swollen parotid glands, dizziness, irritation of the esophagus and disruption of the menstrual cycle. Most of these problems readily improve if the purging stops and a healthy meal plan is followed.

Treatment

The treatment of bulimia nervosa which has the strongest scientific support of its long-term effectiveness is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). In CBT, the patient begins by monitoring nutritional intake and thoughts and feelings about eating. A nutritionally balanced meal plan consisting of three meals and two or three planned snacks a day is then implemented. The patient learns effective strategies to cope with anxiety about eating and the urge to binge and purge. Finally, inaccurate and harmful beliefs about eating, weight, appearance and personal qualities are identified and modified to encourage a healthy appreciation of oneself.

Antidepressant medication can be helpful in reducing the frequency of binge eating and purging in the short-term. Unfortunately, the eating disorder symptoms are likely to return with extended use or if the medication is discontinued. Unless dysfunctional beliefs are changed and healthier methods of coping are developed, the individual is likely to return to bulimic behavior patterns. In severe or treatment-resistant cases, a combination of CBT and antidepressant medication is often the best course. The use of medication to treat bulimia nervosa without psychotherapy is not recommended.

If you suspect that you or someone you know is struggling with an bulimia nervosa, contact one of our eating disorder specialists for help.

Please know that we are here to help you.

Treatment for Bulimia:
Now that you have read more about Bulimia Nervosa, the next step is to seek help.
Frequently, people are hesitant to make the first step. Please know that our Institute is nationally recognized and our clinicians are ready to work with you.

In order to receive help the first step is to contact our Intake Coordinator.

For our Macklind office call 314-534-0200.

For our West County office call 636-532-9188.

Our toll free number is 877-245-2688.

Our Intake Coordinator will match you to one of our clinicians who will evaluate your concerns and make recommendations to you.

The first step is an important one and only you can place the call.

Remember, we are here to help you.

Your insurance coverage will also be reviewed by the intake coordinator.