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what it is
Bulimia typically involves frequent binge eating, followed by purging through self-induced vomiting and/or laxative and diuretic abuse. The amount of food consumed during a binge varies from person to person, and binge-purge episodes are usually kept secret. Bulimics are rarely overweight, although they think they are fat.
Bulimics are insecure, unsure of their own self-worth and tend to
please others before themselves. They see food as the one comfort they have.
Like anorexics, bulimics cannot recognize their true body size and often feel too fat and ashamed over their lack of control when eating. Purging gives them a sense of being back in control, and a way to fix their "disgusting" behavior.
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common physical effects and health risks:
- noticeable weight fluctuations over short periods of time
- period disappears for over three cycles
- constipation
- damaged and discolored teeth
- heartburn and/or bloating
- lung irritation and damage
- weakness
- irregular heartbeat
- kidney damage
- salivary gland enlargement (looks like a bad case of the mumps)
- puffy eyelids and face
- bloodshot or watery eyes from vomiting
- sores or calluses on back of hand used for purging (where teeth scrape skin)
- dehydration and depletion of important minerals
- hormonal imbalance
- chronic sore throat
Like anorexia, bulimia can kill.
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how to identify bulimia
Because bulimics binge and purge in secret and maintain normal or above-normal body weight, they can often successfully hide their problem from others. Bulimics use the bathroom frequently after meals to vomit--often immediately after eating. They may take a lot of laxatives or diuretics. They feel out of control while eating and may have mood swings since their bingeing and purging is often followed by feelings of shame and/or depression. Some bulimics may act these feelings out and shoplift, be promiscuous, and abuse alcohol, drugs and/or credit cards.
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common behavioral patterns:
- binge-purge episodes
- daily use of laxatives and/or diuretics in an attempt to control weight
- obsession with the body and food
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treatments
Using laxatives or vomiting to control overeating can lead to dehydration or kidney failure. Bulimics may require hospitalization or close medical monitoring.
Therapy (individual, family, or group) is also necessary to treat issues of distorted self-esteem and self-perception. Sessions help the patient examine how attitudes about food, dieting, weight and body shape may affect her behavior. Therapy is used to focus on interpersonal relationships and how they affect eating habits and attitudes.
Antidepressants such as Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft can be prescribed to help treat depression, and can help a person binge/purge less frequently.
Treatment also includes dental checkups, since frequent vomiting can cause stomach acids to erode tooth enamel.
Bulimia is most likely to be treated if a patient has been bingeing/purging for fewer than six months. Strong support systems also help speed recovery.
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