Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by episodes of binge eating followed by episodes of vomiting with fear of gaining weight. They are slightly overweight compared to anorexia nervosa patients. They may try to lose their weight by following a strict diet, trying to lose weight by starving for a long time, exercising excessively, using laxatives and enemas. There is a suicidal tendency.
5% of patients die due to serious complications related to weight loss efforts or suicide.
In most patients, it is not the fear of gaining weight, but the difficulty in coping with the problems around them, lack of self-confidence, fear of being disliked.
These people often cannot establish healthy relationships with family members and others due to their obsessive, negative thoughts and behaviors. They think that the people around them are usually trying to control their own behavior and thoughts. They avoid facing their own problems. They feel powerless against those around them. They are assertive and refrain from expressing their opinions openly.
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What are the causes of bulimia nervosa?
The exact cause of eating disorders is not known. However, the reasons put forward are:
- Inability to keep up with changes in adolescence,
- Impulse control disorder,
- Slim, slender female role models,
- Wrong diet approaches
- Desire to be more attractive
- Difficulty coping with social problems,
- Genetic predisposition,
- Alcohol and drug use,
- Physical or psychological trauma, abuse.
What are the symptoms of bulimia nervosa?
- normal weight structure,
- Attacks of eating excessive amounts of food at one time,
- Attempts to vomit after meals,
- Unnecessary use of laxatives, enemas, diuretics,
- Excessive exercise,
- Constant changes in weight,
- Decreased interest in sexuality
- State of irritability,
- Skipping meals,
- Fear of socializing
- Persistent complaints about body and weight,
- Insomnia,
- Symptoms related to anemia
- Dehydration findings,
- Caries in the teeth, gum diseases,
- Cardiovascular system diseases (low blood pressure, rhythm disorders, fluid electrolyte imbalances, etc.),
- Swelling in hands and feet,
- Digestive system diseases (nausea, vomiting, bloating, constipation, gastroesophageal reflux, gastritis, esophagitis etc.)
- Hormonal changes (menstrual irregularity, etc.),
- Bone fractures,
- Depression,
- Suicidal ideation.
How is bulimia nervosa diagnosed?
There is no specific diagnosis or screening method. Diagnosis can be made by anamnesis and examination findings. Eating habits of the person are questioned. The damage caused by the eating disorder to the body is evaluated. Organ failure and immune status are investigated in the laboratory. Psychological evaluation is done.
How is bulimia nervosa treated?
Psychiatric approach is essential in treatment. Group therapies, behavioral therapy, family interviews can be tried. Severe cases are followed up in the hospital. Nutritional support is provided. Antidepressants may be helpful in some patients.
Psychotherapies aim to help people gain self-confidence, express themselves comfortably, change their eating behavior, and stay at peace with their own body. It is also aimed to improve the family’s approach to the patient.