Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa, commonly called bulimia is a type of eating disorder predominantly seen in women in the recent times. A statistical survey indicating 90 percent of those affected by bulimia are women is a proof enough to evaluate the enormity of the situation. An estimated 1.1 percent to 4.2 percent of females have bulimia nervosa in their lifetime. Bulimia is a type of eating disorder in which you binge by eating a large amount of food in a short period of time, and then purge to get rid of the calories.

Studies have found that this is caused mainly due to the urge for binging. Women suffering from bulimia are also found in most cases to be suffering from depression. So they usually take to comfort foods – like those rich in sugar, fats and calories to overcome stress. But after eating too much out of proportion they tend to feel guilty and become afraid of gaining weight. This leads them to purge in order to get rid of the calories taken by induced vomiting, use of medicines like laxatives and diuretics and compulsive exercising. Bulimia can be considered more of a technique for 'weight control' rather than weight losses.

Bulimia nervosa in women can be too dangerous for health and may even be fatal if not treated in time. Prolonged 'binge and purge' cycle in bulimia may lead to severe long-term health problems. Therefore, a strong will power to combat the urge to binge; along with support from family and friends can help the patient to overcome the medical condition and lead a healthy life.

Causes
Bulimia nervosa is a disorder which is more of a psychological crisis to an eating pattern and lifestyle. Like any other disorders it is more of a complex physical and psychological condition. The causes of bulimia if though not clear, is a result of a number of factors starting from:

Biological and genetic factors:  The cycle of binging and purging accounted for in bulimia cases can be caused due to several factors like hormones, and neurotransmitters in the brain and also due to the genetic impact like obsessive, compulsive and depressive contour.

Cultural factors: Cultural and social preferences for thin women may be one of the most important factors for women being susceptible to bulimia.

Personal conceptions: Some women are so uncomfortable about their looks and appearance that they lose their self confidence and take to binging and purging in a state of depression.

Family impact: A woman sometimes become prone to bulimia as they are frequently nudged by the closest members of the family to look or present themselves in a certain way, at the cost of health.

Stressful events: Stressful events like personal loss, relationship crisis and traumatic experiences like substance and sexual abuse can lead to conditions like bulimia.

Symptoms
The symptoms in a woman affected by bulimia nervosa is very difficult to detect since, these woman are very secretive about their lifestyle – their eating patterns, exercise schedule, etc. Some common sign and symptoms are:

• Binge on a regular basis i.e. eat large quantity of food in a short stipulated period of time.  
• Have regular and frequent binge-purge cycles occurring at least 2 times a week for 3 months or longer.
• Take to purging to get rid of the food and avoid weight gain either by induced vomiting, use laxatives and diuretics, enemas and drugs.
• They undergo compulsive exercise schedule in spite of fatigue and ill health.  
• They always tend to have a derogative impression about themselves, their appearances and weight.
• Feeling ashamed and guilty of overeating after a binge and simultaneously fear the gaining of weight.
• Most patients live in isolation to their surroundings and are secretive of their binging and purging habits.

Diagnosis

• Women with bulimia are either underweight, slightly overweight but mostly they are normal weight persons.
• Most of the affected patients are in depressive moods and self-deprecating thoughts following a binge.
• Alcohol or drug abuse.
• Suicidal tendencies
• Clinical examination shows low levels of potassium or other blood electrolyte imbalances.
• Any type of purging can lead to bone thinning (osteoporosis), kidney damage, heart problems, or even death.
• Clinical diagnosis indicates:
• Tooth decay or erosion of tooth enamel.
• Sore gums or mouth sores.
• Loose & Dry skin.
• Thin or dull hair.
• Swollen salivary glands.
• Bloating or fullness.
• Low energy level

Prevention
Early treatment is the best possible way to prevent bulimia from aggravating. Acid in the mouth from vomiting can cause tooth decay, gum disease, and loss of tooth enamel. And purging can cause osteoporosis, cardiac & kidney problems and may even prove fatal in some cases. Since the bulimia patients usually deny their binge and purge behavior, the support of those close to the patient, both friends and family has a major role to play in the recovery of the patient. It is also necessary that such patients be provided counseling in coping with the disorder which might sometimes evoke suicidal tendencies in the patient. With proper psychotherapeutic sessions and integral support, women suffering from bulimia can be brought back into the mainstream for a healthy life.

Treatment
The main treatment for women suffering from bulimia is counseling – nutritional and psychological. However, in some aggravated cases, the patient is given antidepressant to deal with acute anxiety problems, depression and even suicidal tendencies. Infact, the basic goal for the treatment for bulimia is to reduce or eliminate binge eating and purging behavior.