An Overview of Bulimia:
Affecting approximately 1% of young females and 0.1% of males according to the National Eating Disorder Association, Bulimia Nervosa, known commonly as Bulimia, is an eating disorder that many struggle with. Bulimia is characterized by binge or excessive eating over relatively short periods of time followed by “purging behaviors” in hopes of not gaining weight. Many individuals may feel unable to control their eating during the episode. Additionally, these individuals typically attempt to prevent increasing in weight through, “self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or other medications, fasting, or excessive exercise.” The two subtypes of Bulimia are categorized as purging or non-purging, with individuals who experience the purging type of Bulimia using vomiting, laxatives, diuretics, or similar methods of losing weight rapidly. The non-purging type, on the contrary, focuses on behaviors such as exercising or fasting. The National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) states, “A 2007 study asked 9,282 English-speaking Americans about a variety of mental health conditions, including eating disorders. The results, published in Biological Psychiatry, found that 1.5% of women and 0.5% of men had Bulimia during their life.” while another study by Eric Stice and Cara Bohon discusses that from 1.1% to 4.6% of females and 0.1% to 0.5% of males develop Bulimia at some point. Among young women, this statistic increases when considering Bulimia that falls under the threshold used. The high prevalence of such a life threatening disorder that affects people of all backgrounds and characteristics may be rooted in rigid and unreasonable societal standards revolving around beauty.
Causes and Symptoms of Bulimia:
Although Bulimia can not be attributed to a sole cause, a wide variety of factors can contribute to an individual having Bulimia. The University of Rochester Medical Center explains, “Social attitudes toward body appearance, family influences, genetics, past traumatic experiences, and neurochemical and developmental factors may contribute to the development and maintenance of bulimia nervosa. Moreover, recent research suggests that certain areas of the brain function differently with an active eating disorder.” The article continues by adding that family history of complications such as substance abuse or suicide may also influence individuals with eating disorders. While the family does not cause Bulimia, their lack of support may exacerbate the symptoms or episodes.
Some symptoms of Bulimia include binge eating episodes, secretive vomiting, fasting, exercising, abnormal eating habits, irregular menstruation, anxiety, depression, body dysmorphia, poor self esteem, scarring, and impulsive behaviors, dizziness, fluctuations in weight, sleep issues, muscle weakness, and difficulties concentrating, among many others. Warning signs that others may observe mainly revolve around behavioral changes related to an obsession with dieting and weight loss, evidence of these previous symptoms, skipping meals, fear of eating in public, drinking excessive water, and swelling in cheeks or jaw. Often, individuals with Bulimia also may attempt to hide their body by wearing baggier clothes, or they may frequently worry about their appearance. Victims may experience conditions such as self injury, substance abuse, and impulsivity. Mood swings and withdrawing from loved ones is also common.
Bulimia Diagnosis and Treatment:
Understanding and identifying warning signs and symptoms can allow the individual with Bulimia to seek treatment. Many of these individuals may keep their eating habits secretive, meaning that help from friends or family can be potentially lifesaving. Since symptoms of Bulimia can be difficult to identify without knowing past history, input from friends and family is critical. The official criteria for Bulimia Nervosa diagnosis are “recurrent episodes of binge eating [...], recurrent inappropriate compensatory behavior in order to prevent weight gain, [...] the binge eating and inappropriate compensatory behaviors both occur, on average, at least once a week for three months, self-evaluation is unduly influenced by body shape and weight [, and] the disturbance does not occur exclusively during episodes of anorexia nervosa.” Johns Hopkins Medicine elucidates on the diagnosis of Bulimia, writing, “Sometimes, psychological testing is done. Blood tests may be done to check overall health and nutritional status. Early treatment can often prevent future problems. Bulimia, and the malnutrition that results, can affect nearly every organ system in the body.” In other words, psychological tests, blood tests, urine tests, or electrocardiograms are frequently performed to determine a diagnosis.
Treatment for Bulimia should be determined by a physician, however often focuses on rehabilitation, therapy, and behavioral modification. Patients may undergo treatment at hospital programs, treatment centers, or appointments with healthcare professionals. A key component of therapy that many individuals take part in is cognitive and behavioral therapy (CBT), which underlines the importance of changing the patient’s mindset about their body to create healthy self esteem and body image. Some medications, such as antidepressants or antianxiety medicines, may also be used. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services elaborates, “Treatment plans may include one or more of the following: nutrition therapy [...] psychotherapy [...] nutritional counseling [...] support groups [and] medicine.”
Overall, it is vital to support patients struggling with Bulimia rather than isolating them. By destigmatizing discussions surrounding eating disorders, body image, self esteem, or other conditions under the umbrella of neurodiversity in general, we can pave the path for a more open, accepting, and healthy society.
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