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Bulimia Nervosa

Tomorrow Never Comes- a day in the life of me
My Thoughts
Anorexia Nervosa
Bulimia Nervosa
Dangers of Eating Disorders
What Is Recovery?
Identifying and Coping
Self Injury
Poetry
You'll Never Know
Life Without A Voice- an essay by Aiysha
Anorexia Is- by Birdie
Suicidal? Read this...
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What Is Bulimia Nervosa?

Bulimia is an eating disorder where sufferers consume large amounts of food (usually high-calorie sugary foods and carbohydrates), and then purge by methods suck as self-induced vomiting, over-exercising, laxative and dieuretic abuse. The onset for bulimia is slightly older than that for anorexia- being late teens - early twenties. Sufferers are often able to conceal this disorder as most people are of average weight. The severe weight loss that accompanies anorexia nervosa is not usually present with people suffering from bulimia. Sufferers are often highly impulsive.

What Causes Bulimia Nervosa?

Traumas such as bullying, bereavement, relationship breakdowns, pressure (educational and social), family problems, feeling 'out of control' and abuse are all common triggers. Many people with anorexia nervosa eventually turn to bulimia- restriction of carbohydrate intake over a long period of time causes a serotonin deficit in the brain leading to feelings of 'being able to eat forever' whish is essentially what binging is.

What Are The Symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa?

  • Repeated episodes of binge eating- eating large amounts of foods (often high calorie sugary foods and carbohydrates- and purging by either fasting, over- exercising, laxative/dieuretic/enema abuse or self-induced vomiting.
  • A sense of lack of control over eating during this episode.
  • The binge episodes and purging behaviours both occur, on average, at least twice a week for 3 months.
  • Disturbed body image and intense fear and preoccupation with gaining weight
  • Wearing big or baggy clothes or dressing in layers
  • Obsession with calories and fat content of foods
  • Frequent trips to the bathroom immediately following meals
  • Vague or secretive eating patterns.
  • Low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness
  • Fear of not being able to control eating, and while eating, not being able to stop
  • Fear of eating around and with others
  • Mood swings

    There are three recognised types of Bulimia;-

  • Purging Type: The sufferer regularly engages in behavious such as self-induced vomiting or the misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas

  • Non-purging Type: The sufferer uses other destructive purging behaviours, such as fasting or excessive exercise, but has not regularly engaged in self-induced vomiting or the misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas.

  • Multi-impulsive: The sufferer also engages in other destructive behaviours such as self-harm, shoplifting, promiscuity and substance abuse.

    There are many Physical Complications caused by anorexia and bulimia- it is essential if you are suffering from an eating disorder that you seek MEDICAL ADVICE. Weight alone is no indication of physical state- ANYONE can die from an eating disorder at ANY weight