WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Bulimia nervosa is the binge-and-purge disorder made
famous by Princess Diana. Unlike anorexia, this illness rarely
ends in total starvation. Bulimics usually maintain normal
weight, succumbing to the binge/purge cycle in order to avoid
getting fat.
All victims of bulimia are plagued by an irresistible
craving for food. After gorging on high-fat, high-sugar
treats---usually in secret---they purge themselves with either
self-induced vomiting or by taking laxatives, water pills, or
diet medications. Binges are often followed by a regimen of
strict diet and exercise until the next cycle
begins.
Causes
Bulimia usually takes hold between the ages of 15 and 24.
The victims are typically female, and often have a history of
obesity in the family. Dancers, actors, models, and athletes
sometimes adopt this abnormal eating pattern for professional
reasons. For others, anxiety and depression may trigger the
binges. If you're a young woman, your odds of developing
bulimia are estimated to be between 1 in 10 and 1 in
20.
Signs/Symptoms
A true bulimic is fascinated by food. She's likely to
plan her binges carefully, and take great pains to hide them.
Typically, her family knows nothing about them. Eventually,
however, repeated purges may begin to produce physical
symptoms. Constant vomiting can cause tooth decay and lead to
swollen salivary glands, giving the face a rounded look.
Excessive use of laxatives can result in constipation,
indigestion, cramps, bloating, and gas. Other possibilities
include:
-
Broken blood vessels in the
face and bags under the eyes
-
Dehydration, fainting spells,
tremors, and blurred vision
-
Rapid or irregular
heartbeat
-
Rupture of the food canal
(esophagus)
-
Internal bleeding and
infections
-
Kidney and liver
damage
-
Pronounced fluctuations in
weight
In addition, bulimics are often plagued by guilt, shame,
and depression.
Care
Bulimia is very difficult to overcome on your own. Even
with therapy and counseling, relapse rates are high. If
individual counseling sessions fail to help, the doctor may
recommend group sessions or daytime care in a hospital or
clinic. Full-time hospitalization is needed only if the
disorder has led to severe physical problems or deep
depression.
Risks
Although bulimia is rarely life-threatening, it certainly
disrupts its victims' lives, and can eventually damage their
health.
WHAT YOU SHOULD
DO
-
If you're also suffering from
severe depression, the doctor may prescribe an
antidepressant drug. Be sure to take it regularly, exactly
as directed, even if it seems to have no effect. These
medications often take weeks to begin
working.
-
The medication may cause
drowsiness. Don't use heavy equipment or drive until you
know how the medication affects you.
-
Avoid alcohol while taking
antidepressants. The combination can cause extreme
drowsiness and other serious problems.
-
You may find it helpful to
practice such stress-reduction techniques as deep
breathing, muscle relaxation, meditation, or
biofeedback.
-
Group therapy or an informal
support group can make a big difference. Sharing feelings
and strategies can help you cope.
Call Your Doctor
If...
-
You're unable to sleep, or
find that you're sleeping too much.
Seek Care Immediately
If...
-
You have any thoughts of
suicide.
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