Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia nervosa is a serious eating disorder that involves binging and purging. The binge consists of stuffing oneself with a large amount of food – usually foods deemed “forbidden” by the sufferer – in a short amount of time, then purging the food from the body before digestion can occur. The purging can be done by either taking laxatives or diuretics, extreme exercise, or, most commonly, by self-induced vomiting.
Signs & symptoms of bulimia nervosa
Emotional Symptoms:
- Feeling the need to be physically perfect
- Body dysmorphia – believing that you’re overweight when in fact, your weight is in the normal weight range or underweight
- Low self esteem
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Feelings of inadequacy in one or more areas of your life
- Denial of any eating issues
- Extremely committed to exercise regimen and/or over- exercising
Physical Symptoms:
- Episodes of binge eating
- Self-induced vomiting
- Misuse of laxatives
- Weight fluctuations
- Gastrointestinal concerns such as gas, cramping, heartburn, etc.
- Dizziness or fainting
- Dental concerns (discoloured teeth, cavities or enamel erosion from excessive vomiting)
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Sleep disturbances
When is it time to seek help?
Bulimia nervosa is a very serious disorder that can, and has, lead to death if not treated. People with eating disorders often try to conceal their behaviours. For example, they may wear baggy clothes to hide their weight loss, or because they fear they are overweight (when they’re not). People suffering from bulimia will make frequent trips to the bathroom – especially after meals (to induce vomiting). They may eat small amounts in front of others then binge in private. If you suspect someone to have an eating disorder such as bulimia or anorexia, you should encourage them to seek help as soon as possible. If you are experiencing the signs and symptoms of bulimia or suspect someone you know is – it’s important to seek support as soon as possible.
Bulimia nervosa treatment methods
The exact treatments depend on the person with anorexia nervosa, and an assessment will be completed before those treatments can be chosen. Some treatments that have been successful in treating anorexia nervosa include:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based approach to treatment that focuses on how people’s thoughts, emotions, and beliefs influence their behaviour and how they perceive themselves.
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a treatment method that’s similar to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) but emphasizes building skills to manage stress, emotional response and regulation, mental health issues, and the psycho-social aspects of relationship building.
- Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) is defined by EMDR Canada as an integrative psychotherapy approach that has been extensively researched and proven effective for the treatment of trauma and many other mental health problems that utilized bilateral eye stimulation or somatic responding.
What will I get out of treatment with Insight Psychological?
Breaking free from the conditions that cause bulimia and the damage it does to your physical and mental health is the goal of treatment. Our aim is to help you to gain control over your thoughts, feelings, and your life. To be rid of the anxiety, grief, trauma, and/or depression that caused your bulimia will help you to have a healthy and more fulfilling life. An experienced therapist with Insight Psychological will work with you, and any of your loved ones, to support you as you work through this challenge.
Insight would be honoured to support you as you overcome bulimia and we have therapists who have experience in treating bulimia. Please contact us today to make an appointment to get started.
