Bulimia nervosa involves a destructive pattern of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors to avoid weight gain. While bingeing and purging define it, it is so much more than these behaviors alone. It is a serious and complex mental health disorder that requires professional recovery treatment. Learning the facts about it can be the first step toward seeking help.
What is the Meaning of Bulimia?
The term bulimia comes from Greek roots meaning “ox hunger,” referring to episodes of overeating. Medically, it refers to:
- Recurrent binge eating episodes where a large amount of food is consumed in a short period, accompanied by feeling out of control.
- Compensatory “purging” behaviors to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting, laxatives, fasting, or excessive exercise.
- An overvaluation of body shape and weight as it relates to self-worth.
Simply put, people with bulimia nervosa struggle with cycles of overeating followed by purging. However, these behaviors signify an underlying mental health disorder.
Is it Considered a Mental Illness?
Yes, bulimia nervosa is classified in the DSM-5 as a mental health condition. It requires psychological treatment to address the root causes driving the disordered eating patterns. These can include:
- Low self-esteem, depression, or anxiety.
- Trauma or adverse childhood experiences.
- Dieting culture and unrealistic body standards.
- Biological factors like neurotransmitter imbalances.
Effective treatment must go beyond stopping the behavior itself to resolve the mental and emotional factors underlying bulimia.
How is Bulimia Different than Anorexia?
While they are both eating disorders, there are some key differences:
- People with bulimia are usually normal weight or overweight, while anorexia involves being underweight.
- Anorexia mainly involves restriction of food intake and intense fear of gaining weight. Bulimia features episodes of uncontrolled binge eating.
- Those with bulimia don’t typically lose their menstrual cycle like those with anorexia often do.
- Anorexia may involve over-exercising, but it focuses more on purging behaviors to compensate for binges.
But there is also overlap – some people develop anorexic behaviors after being bulimic for years. The disorders exist on a spectrum.
What are the Common Symptoms of Bulimia?
In addition to the binge and purge cycle, other typical symptoms, according to the NHS, include:
- Chronic sore throat from vomiting.
- Worn tooth enamel and cavities from exposure to stomach acids.
- Bloating, constipation, and abdominal pain from laxatives.
- Irregular heart rhythms and impaired heart function.
- Low bone density and risk of osteoporosis over time.
- Dehydration and severe electrolyte imbalances.
Consequences can be severe, even life-threatening, which is why seeking treatment should be a priority.
Get Help for at Kazmo Brain Center
Finally, If you or someone you love may be struggling with bulimia, the caring team at Kazmo Brain Center is here to help. We provide comprehensive bulimia treatment tailored to your unique situation.
With evidence-based therapies, nutrition support, and relapse prevention, freedom from bulimia is possible.
Take the first step and contact us today to start building a healthier, happier life. You deserve to be free from this disorder.
