Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia Nervosa affects 1-2% of the population, 2-4 million Americans. It occurs in almost 10% of college age women. 75% of individuals with Bulimia Nervosa are women, generally beginning in early to late adolescence.
Bulimia Nervosa is a disorder in which a person attempts to lose weight by recurrent episodes of binge eating and restrictive eating. Binge eating is described as eating an amount of food that is excessively greater than normal in a discrete period of time. The person has a sense of lack of control over eating during the episode.
- Binge eating
- Self condemnation for binging
- Restrictive eating
- Preoccupation with food
- Recurrent inappropriate behavior in order to control weight gain
- Purging behavior (self induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, diuretics, enemas)
- Excessive exercise for the purpose of losing weight
- Episodes of fasting
- Distorted body image
- Lack of control over eating
Causal Factors:
Biologic, Genetic, Sociologic, and/or Situational factors. Can be accompanied by Depression, Anxiety Disorders, and/or Substance Abuse.
Treatment Options:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Medication, Anxiety Management Techniques, and/or Nutritional Education.