Verywell / Laura Porter
Bulimia nervosa is a very commoneating disorder.
This condition affects men and women alike but is more often diagnosed in women.
Studies have shown that women are around five times more likely to be affected by bulimia than men.
Verywell / Laura Porter
This disorder usually begins in adolescence, with teenage girls forming a large percentage of those affected.
Well be examining bulimia and the symptoms of this condition.
What Is Bulimia?
Many times this is standing over the counter, getting seconds, picking here and there, etc.
This may be achieved by inducing a round of vomiting.
Other methods of purging include abusing laxatives and diuretics, fasting, or carrying out excessive physical activity.
A person with bulimia may appear over or underweight, and can also present normal weight levels.
These effects target everything from dental hygiene to heart health.
They include:
Bulimia also increases the risk of developing other psychological disorders like major depressive disorder.
This disorder may also lead to severe health conditions like a heart attack, or cardiac arrest.
However, unlike the former,binge eatingcomes without purging (vomiting or excessive exercise, etc.).
Klein-Levin Syndrome
This very rare condition is identified by its excesses.
This condition is more common in adolescent males, although women and older men may be diagnosed with it.
Other conditions that present symptoms similar to bulimia include irritable bowel syndrome and neurological diseases.
These sessions may take place repeatedly, and will usually be followed by compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain.
The primary aim of treating bulimia is to break the cycle of bingeing and purging.
Treatment is also focused on developing healthier eating habits and thinking patterns.
This may be achieved through the following.
Medication
Antidepressants are commonly recommended to manage bulimia.
This includesSSRIssuch as fluoxetine and sertraline.
Fluoxetine has proven effective in reducing binge eating and vomiting after as little as four weeks of therapy.
Neurolepticswhich help to manage psychosis may also be administered, as canSNRIsused to manage depression and anxiety.
Caregivers are charged with providing those under their care their required nutritional needs.
A Word From Verywell
Bulimia has the potential to be a very dangerous disease.
Despite how severe the symptoms of this condition can be, it is also a very treatable condition.
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