Bulimia Nervosa

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Overview

Bulimia nervosa, commonly known as bulimia, is a serious and potentially life-threatening eating disorder. Individuals with bulimia engage in secretive binge-eating episodes, consuming large amounts of food and feeling a loss of control over their eating. Following the binge, they resort to unhealthy methods to get rid of the extra calories and prevent weight gain.

Methods used to purge calories include self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas, excessive exercise, fasting, and strict dieting. Bulimia is not solely about food; it is closely linked to self-image, making it difficult to overcome. However, with effective treatment, individuals can improve their self-esteem, develop healthier eating patterns, and address serious complications.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of bulimia include:

  • Preoccupation with body shape and weight
  • Fear of gaining weight
  • Recurring episodes of binge eating with a loss of control
  • Engaging in purging behaviors after bingeing
  • Using laxatives, diuretics, or enemas inappropriately
  • Fasting, restricting calories, or avoiding certain foods between binges
  • Excessive use of dietary supplements or herbal products for weight loss

The severity of bulimia is assessed based on the frequency of purging, usually occurring at least once a week for three months or more.

When to See a Doctor

If you or someone you know is exhibiting bulimia symptoms, seek medical help as soon as possible. Untreated bulimia can have severe health consequences. Reach out to a primary care provider or a mental health professional to discuss the symptoms and feelings associated with bulimia. If seeking treatment is difficult, confide in someone you trust, who can offer support and help you take the first steps towards successful treatment.

Helping a Loved One with Bulimia Symptoms

If you suspect a loved one has bulimia symptoms, have an open and honest discussion about your concerns. Although you cannot force someone to seek professional care, you can offer encouragement and support. Help find a qualified doctor or mental health professional, make an appointment, and offer to accompany them if needed.

Red flags that family and friends may notice include constant worries about weight, distorted and excessively negative body image, repeated episodes of binge eating, secretive eating behaviors, and excessive exercise.

Causes

The exact cause of bulimia is not known. It may be influenced by genetics, biology, emotional health, societal expectations, and other factors.

Risk Factors

Girls and women are more likely to have bulimia than boys and men. Risk factors for bulimia include:

  • Family history of eating disorders
  • Psychological and emotional issues like depression, anxiety, or substance use disorders
  • Dieting and weight-control behaviors

Complications

Bulimia can lead to several serious and life-threatening complications, including heart problems, dehydration, digestive issues, and mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression.

Prevention

Although preventing bulimia is not guaranteed, you can promote healthier behaviors or seek professional treatment early on. Foster a healthy body image in children, have regular family meals, avoid discussions about weight at home, discourage unhealthy dieting, and talk to a primary care provider about early signs of eating disorders.

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Diagnosis

If your primary care provider suspects you have bulimia, they will typically:

  • Talk to you about your eating habits, weight-loss methods, and physical symptoms
  • Perform a physical exam
  • Request blood and urine tests
  • Request an electrocardiogram (ECG) to identify heart problems
  • Conduct a psychological evaluation to discuss your body image and weight-related attitudes
  • Use the diagnostic criteria for bulimia listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)

Additional tests may be requested to rule out medical causes for weight changes and check for related complications.

Treatment

When dealing with bulimia, several types of treatment may be necessary, with the combination of psychotherapy and antidepressants often proving most effective in overcoming the disorder.

Treatment typically involves a team approach with the involvement of you, your family, your primary care provider, a mental health professional, and a dietitian experienced in eating disorder treatment. A case manager may be assigned to coordinate your care.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy or psychological counseling, can be beneficial for bulimia treatment. Types of psychotherapy that may help improve symptoms include:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy to normalize eating patterns and replace unhealthy beliefs and behaviors with positive ones
  • Family-based treatment to intervene and support the adolescent in regaining control over eating behaviors
  • Interpersonal psychotherapy to address difficulties in close relationships and improve communication and problem-solving skills

Discuss with your mental health professional which psychotherapy approach will be used and the evidence supporting its effectiveness in treating bulimia.

Medications

Antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine (Prozac), may be used to reduce bulimia symptoms when combined with psychotherapy, even if you are not depressed.

Nutrition Education

Dietitians can design an eating plan to promote healthy eating habits and ensure adequate nutrition. Regular eating and avoiding food restriction are essential in overcoming bulimia.

Hospitalization

While most cases of bulimia can be treated outside of the hospital, severe symptoms with serious complications may require hospitalization. Some eating disorder programs may offer day treatment as an alternative to inpatient hospitalization.

Treatment Challenges

Although most individuals with bulimia recover, some may experience periodic cycles of bingeing and purging, especially during times of high stress. In such cases, follow-up sessions with your healthcare team can help prevent a relapse and provide coping strategies.

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

In addition to professional treatment, consider the following self-care tips:

  • Stick to your treatment plan, attend therapy sessions, and follow meal plans
  • Learn about bulimia to empower yourself and stay motivated in your treatment
  • Ensure proper nutrition, and discuss vitamin and mineral supplements with your healthcare provider or dietitian if needed
  • Stay connected with caring family and friends for support
  • Be kind to yourself, avoiding frequent weighing or mirror-checking
  • Be cautious with exercise, seeking advice from your healthcare provider about appropriate physical activity

Coping and Support

Dealing with bulimia can be challenging due to mixed messages from the media, culture, and social circles. Consider the following coping strategies:

  • Remind yourself of a healthy weight for your body
  • Resist dieting or skipping meals, which can trigger binge eating
  • Avoid websites promoting or glorifying eating disorders
  • Identify triggers and develop a plan to cope with emotional distress
  • Find positive role models to boost self-esteem
  • Engage in pleasurable activities and hobbies to distract from harmful thoughts
  • Focus on self-forgiveness and positive reinforcement

Support groups can be helpful for individuals and families dealing with bulimia, providing encouragement, hope, and coping advice.

Preparing for Your Appointment

Before your appointment, prepare by:

  • Making a list of your symptoms and personal information
  • Compiling a list of medications and supplements you take
  • Preparing questions for your healthcare provider

During your appointment, expect your healthcare provider to ask questions about your eating habits, exercise, symptoms, and family history.

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