Bulimia: Destructive eating pattern to gain control over lives

Bulimia (buh-LEE -me-ah) nervosa, typically called bulimia, is a type of eating disorder. The word “bulimia” is Latin, getting its roots from the Greek word “boulimia” which directly translates to mean “extreme hunger”.

Bulimia is a term that means binge eating, which is defined as eating more food than most persons in similar circumstances and in a similar period of time, accompanied by a strong sense of losing control. Someone with bulimia eats a lot of food in a short amount of time (called bingeing) and then tries to prevent weight gain by purging.

According to DSM IV Bulimia nervosa is defined as binge eating combined with inappropriate ways of stopping weight gain.

According to the World Health Organization, 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.

To be diagnosed with bulimia, a person must have had, on average, a minimum of two binge-eating episodes a week for at least three months. The first problem with any eating disorder is constant concern with food and weight to the exclusion of almost all other personal concerns.

Bulimia nervosa was first described by Professor Gerald Russell in 1979 whilst he worked at the Royal Free Hospital, London. It has been recognized as an autonomous eating disorder by the American Psychiatric Association since 1980.

The disorder can be caused due to genetic factors specially with those having family history of obesity, substance abuse, and depressive disorder as persons having low levels of serotonin While unique environments contributed to the development of the disorder as females involved in activities that put an extreme emphasis on thinness and body type are at the greatest risk for the development of eating disorders.

Risk factors for bulimia are similar to those of other eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa:

• those of age 10 through to 25

• athletes

• people who are active in dancing, modeling or gymnastics

• students who are under heavy workloads

• those who have suffered traumatic events in their lifetime such as child abuse and sexual abuse

• those positioned in the higher echelons of the socioeconomic scale (celebrities)

• The highly intelligent and/or high-achievers.

• perfectionists

Bulimia typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood. Like anorexia nervosa, it mainly affects females. Only ten percent to 15 percent of affected individuals are male.

Treatment

Treatment plans should be adjusted to meet the needs of the individual concerned, but usually a comprehensive treatment plan involving a variety of experts and approaches is best.

Psychotherapy A type of talk therapy called cognitive behavior therapy is most commonly used for bulimia and has shown the most benefit in treating the condition. Therapy can include individual or family therapy. Individual therapy can help you deal with the behavior and thoughts that contribute to bulimia. Family therapy can help resolve family conflicts or muster support from concerned family members. Group therapy and informal support groups typically aren't recommended since they may simply become a dangerous way for people with bulimia to share "how-to" tips on maintaining their condition.

Medical care/ medications It's the mental health professional that coordinates care, they provide Anti-psychotics and Antidepressant medication. Combining medications with cognitive behavior therapy seems to be the most effective course of treatment.

Nutritional therapy Dietitians and other health care providers can offer information about a healthy diet and help design an eating plan to achieve a healthy weight and healthy-eating habits.

Hospitalization Bulimia can often be treated outside the hospital. When needed, hospitalization may be on a medical or psychiatric ward.

Self-care

Proper self-care can help you feel better during and after treatment and help maintain your overall health.

Try to make these steps a part of your routine. But don't beat yourself up if you aren't able to do so every day:

• Stick to your treatment. Don't skip therapy sessions and try not to stray from meal plans, even if they make you uncomfortable.

• Talk to your doctor about appropriate vitamin and mineral supplements. If you aren't eating well, chances are your body isn't getting all of the nutrients it needs.

• Don't isolate yourself from caring family members and friends who want to see you get healthy. Understand that they have your best interests at heart.

• Resist urges to weigh yourself or check yourself in the mirror frequently. These may do nothing but fuel your drive to maintain unhealthy habits.

Talk to your health care providers about what kind of exercise, if any, is appropriate for you, especially if you exercise excessively as a way to burn off post-binge calories

Bulimia is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition. Because it's so intimately entwined with self-image — it's not just about food — bulimia can be difficult to overcome. But treatment can help people with bulimia feel better about themselves and adopt healthier eating patterns.