mental health disorders
Bulimia Nervosa
Symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa
People with bulimia nervosa have repeated episodes of binge eating. That is, they eat much larger amounts of food than most people would eat in a similar time under similar circumstances. Circumstances and culture are important because the amount considered excessive for a normal meal may differ from the amount considered excessive for a holiday meal. Emotional stress often triggers the binges, which are usually done in secret. Binge eating, which is accompanied by a feeling of a loss of control, usually includes eating when not hungry and eating to the point of physical discomfort. People tend to consume sweet, high-fat foods, such as ice cream and cake. The amount of food consumed varies and sometimes involves thousands of calories. Binges may occur as often as several times a day. People with bulimia nervosa tend to feel very remorseful or guilty about their behavior. People with bulimia nervosa may have scars on their knuckles from using their fingers to make themselves vomit. In an attempt to counteract the effects of the excess food, people use various means to compensate: Purging—for example, by making themselves vomit (self-induced vomiting) or taking laxatives or diuretics (drugs that cause the kidneys to excrete more water) Rigorously dieting or fasting Overexercising Any combination of the above Some also take diuretics to treat perceived bloating. Unlike in anorexia nervosa, the body weight of people with bulimia nervosa tends to fluctuate around normal. Overweight or obesity affects very few people with anorexia nervosa. Unlike in Binge Eating Disorder , people with bulimia nervosa try to compensate for excessive eating by purging or other means. Self-induced vomiting can erode tooth enamel, enlarge the salivary glands in the cheeks (parotid glands), and inflame the esophagus. Vomiting can lower potassium levels in the blood, causing abnormal heart rhythms. Sudden death can result from an abnormal heart rhythm in people who repeatedly take large quantities ofipecacto induce vomiting. Rarely, during a binge or purge, the stomach ruptures or the esophagus tears, leading to life-threatening complications. People with bulimia nervosa are preoccupied with and judge themselves based on their weight and body shape. Their self-esteem is largely based on their body weight and shape. Compared with people who have anorexia nervosa, those who have bulimia nervosa tend to be more aware of their behavior and to feel remorseful or guilty about it. They are more likely to admit their concerns to a doctor or other confidant. Generally, people with bulimia nervosa are more outgoing. They also are more prone to impulsive behavior, Overview of Substance-Related Disorders , and 