Binges and Purges

BINGES and PURGES

BULIMIA NERVOSA

Topics in Mental Health

By Shlomo Y. Radcliffe

What is Bulimia Nervosa?

Bulimia Nervosa- more commonly known as Bulimia - is an eating disorder in which a person consumes large amounts of food at one time and, to prevent body weight and shape from ballooning, compensates by vomiting, exercising, or using laxatives or diuretics. Bulimia is as common in people of normal weight to those who are underweight.

Symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa (DSM-IV Criteria)

In order to be diagnosed with Bulimia a person must meet the following symptoms:

*    The person must have consistent periods of binge eating. During these binge episodes both of these symptoms are met:
*    The person consumes more food than most people would under similar circumstances.
* The person feels that the eating is out of control.
*    The person controls weight gain by fasting, self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, or abuse of laxatives, diuretics or other drugs.
*    Both of the above behaviors occur at least two times a month for three consecutive months (bulilmia often waxes and wanes, with some periods of time that are binge-free, while other times are characterized by regular binge-purge cycles).
*   The person is very concerned about weight and body shape, feeling worthless or horrible when aspirations are out of line with reality.
*    These symptoms do not occur only during episodes of Anorexia Nervosa.

Treatment for Bulimia Nervosa

Common treatments for Bulimia are psychotherapy (to address underlying issues that cause stress), cognitive-behavioral therapy (to address healthier modes of stress management) and antidepressant medication when indicated.