Bulimia nervosa is a serious disorder and can lead to fatal complications such as, bleeding ulcers, severe electrolyte imbalances and more. According to the NEDA (National Eating Disorder Association), bulimia nervosa affects 1-2% of adolescent and young adult women. People struggling with bulimia usually appear to be of average body weight. This makes it harder to detect an eating disorder. Recognizing the symptoms for any eating disorder and seek treatment immediately increase the persons chance for recovery.
Symptoms
There are a set of primary symptoms to look for in a person who has bulimia. Regularly eating large amounts of food accompanied by feelings of a loss of control or depression is one of the primary symptoms that a person may have. Another primary symptom of bulimia is self-induced vomiting. Other methods of purging the system after eating a excessive amount of food may include laxative abuse, and/or abuse of diuretics. Diuretics are medicines that get rid of fluid from the body. Bulimics may use a combination of all or any three of the primary symptoms to make up for binge eating. There are several early warning signs of bulimia that may be seen.
One warning sign is the knuckles of the hand used to induce vomiting may develop calluses. Teeth may become stained due to vomiting. You may see frequent trips to the bathroom after eating a large meal. Look for warning signs of binge eating. These may include disappearance of large amounts of food, excessive rigid exercise regimen despite other things such as illness that would keep most people from exercising, staining of teeth, rituals to make time for binge-and-purge sessions. General behaviors that indicate that weight loss, dieting, and control of food are becoming primary concern for that person. (NEDA).
Treatment Plan
As with any eating disorder, a through physical examination is necessary to evaluate any physical problems that may have occurred with bulimia. The physician will draw blood work and may do other test as indicated for any problems found. A referral may be made to social services to assist with further follow ups, resources, and financial needs as necessary. A referral is made to mental health for evaluation and treatment of any disorders or problems leading to or developing after the disorder began. The mental health provider may prescribe medications such as elavil for short term use for depression symptoms or other medications to treat the underlying problems. A referral may also be made to a nutritionist to assist with dietary changes and eating habit changes need.
Bulimia nervosa, like other eating disorders, can be life threatening if untreated and complications occur. There are long term problems and damage that may have occurred making it necessary for continued treatment. It is a life style change for people to overcome this disorder. Females are more likely to be affected with this disorder, but the trend is on the rise and there is an increasing awareness of the number of males that have bulimia. There are retreats and many other avenues to assist the person with bulimia on the road to recovery.
