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What is bulimia
nervosa?
Bulimia is an eating disorder
characterised by repeated episodes of overeating
and a preoccupation with the control of body
weight. Studies have shown that up to 1 per cent
of the population is suffering from bulimia
nervosa at any one time, and this may well be an
underestimate. Other studies show that up to 7 per
cent of young women consulting their GP have the
symptoms of bulimia nervosa.
What are the
symptoms?
According to the World Health
Organisation, the criteria for a diagnosis of
bulimia nervosa include the following:
-
persistent preoccupation with eating and an
irresistible craving for food.
-
episodes of overeating in which large amounts of
food are consumed in short periods of time.
-
excessive exercise, induced vomiting after
eating, starving for periods of time or taking
medicines such as laxatives or diuretics to
counteract the bingeing.
-
fear
of obesity, which is also seen in people with
anorexia nervosa, and there is some overlap in
the symptoms of these two diseases.
What is the cause
of the disease?
The cause of bulimia nervosa is
unknown. Factors in the patient's social
environment are important, including the cultural
pressure for women in the Western world to aspire
to an unnaturally slim body weight. However, most
people with bulimia nervosa maintain a normal body
weight. Patients with bulimia nervosa often suffer
from low self-esteem.
What are the
symptoms of bulimia nervosa?
Often the person feels too fat and
generally dissatisfied with their physical
appearance. They may decide to eat less and avoid
fattening foods. The patient with bulimia nervosa
becomes preoccupied with food and eating. They
will have episodes of craving for food and
bingeing, which may take place in secret. After
bingeing, sufferers feel guilty, and may make
themselves sick.
What can people
with bulimia nervosa do to help themselves?
Recognise that you are suffering
from bulimia nervosa and seek help from your
family doctor. There are also several good
self-help books available.
What is the course
of the disease?
While some cases of bulimia nervosa
are short-lived, usually the symptoms will be
present for some months or years before a sufferer
seeks help. The disease can persist for years, and
in some people the symptoms may be present all
their lives.
Bingeing and vomiting can cause
physical problems including damage to teeth from
stomach acid, and heart problems due to the body
being depleted of salts.
How is bulimia
nervosa treated?
Treatment is aimed at the bulimia
nervosa and any associated problems such as low
self-esteem or depression.
Research suggests that cognitive
behavioural therapy, a form of psychological
therapy, is an effective treatment for many
patients. Further research is being carried out
into other forms of psychological therapy that may
also be helpful.
Antidepressant medication can also
be effective at treating the symptoms of bulimia
nervosa. Sometimes a combination of psychological
therapy and drug therapy is used. |
