Bulimia Nervosa
Note: Throughout this information, we use "she" when
referring to a person with bulimia nervosa. However, bulimia nervosa
is becoming increasingly prevalent among males. This information
on bulimia nervosa is also applicable to men.
Bulimia nervosa is very serious
and has an impact on both physical and mental health. Left untreated,
bulimia nervosa can be fatal. People develop bulimia nervosa as
a way of dealing with the conflicts, pressures, and stresses of
their lives. Bulimia nervosa may be used as a way to express control
when the rest of one's life seems out of control.
What is Bulimia Nervosa?
Bulimia nervosa is the repeated cycle of out-of-control eating
followed by some form of purging. Bulimia nervosa is a serious eating
disorder which can be fatal. The purging associated with bulimia
nervosa may be self-induced vomiting, excessive use of laxatives
or diuretics, or obsessive exercising. Women with bulimia nervosa
often also feel out of control in other areas of their lives besides
food. Women suffering from bulimia nervosa may spend money excessively,
abuse drugs or alcohol, or engage in chaotic relationships.
Bulimia nervosa can have severe medical consequences including
dental and esophageal problems, kidney damage, chemical imbalance,
and an overall loss of energy and vitality. Bulimia nervosa can
even prove fatal.
Bulimia Nervosa Warning Signs
There are many warning signs which indicate that someone may be suffering
from bulimia nervosa. A person with bulimia nervosa may exhibit one,
all, or any combination of these warning signs. Becoming aware of
these warning signs is the first step in helping someone suffering
from bulimia nervosa. When you help someone with bulimia nervosa,
you may end up saving her life.
Common warning signs of bulimia nervosa:
- A person suffering from bulimia nervosa engages in binge eating
and cannot voluntarily stop.
- A person with bulimia nervosa uses the bathroom frequently after
meals.
- A person with bulimia nervosa reacts to emotional stress by
overeating.
- Menstrual irregularities are a sign of bulimia nervosa.
- Swollen glands are a sign of bulimia nervosa.
- A person with bulimia nervosa experiences frequent fluctuations
in weight.
- A person suffering from bulimia nervosa cannot voluntarily stop
eating.
- A person with bulimia nervosa is obsessively concerned with
her weight.
- A person suffering from bulimia nervosa attempts to adhere to
diets, but generally fails.
- Guilt or shame about eating is a sign of bulimia nervosa.
- A person suffering from bulimia nervosa feels out of control.
- Depressive moods are a sign of bulimia nervosa.
How can I help someone with bulimia nervosa?
You may know someone suffering from bulimia nervosa. You may suspect
that someone you know has bulimia nervosa but are not certain. You
may feel that you are beginning to exhibit some warning signs for
bulimia nervosa. What should you do?
If you feel that you or someone you know may be suffering from
bulimia nervosa, it is important to seek professional counseling
as quickly as possible. If untreated, bulimia nervosa will become
part of a destructive cycle which can continue for years and eventually
lead to death.
Talking to a bulimia nervosa treatment professional is the first step
toward successful recovery. For more information on bulimia nervosa
treatment options in your area, please call The Renfrew Center at
1-800-RENFREW. Confidentiality is
strictly observed and most insurance plans are accepted.
Bulimia Nervosa Resources
The Renfrew Center offers an array of resources concerning bulimia
nervosa and other eating disorders
including anorexia nervosa and
binge eating disorder . For
a list of bulimia nervosa resources, including books, magazines,
and films on bulimia nervosa and other eating disorders, click
here.
This information is provided by The
Renfrew Center Foundation to provide helpful information regarding
bulimia nervosa. The Renfrew Center Foundation is dedicated to supporting
research, education, and advocacy in the field of bulimia nervosa
treatment and research. To receive a copy of this information in
a printed brochure, please call 1-800-RENFREW.
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