fbpx

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by patterns of bingeing (consuming a large amount of food in a short amount of time) and purging the calories out of their bodies through vomiting, starving, excessive exercise, laxatives, or other methods. Bulimia is a psychological disorder that produces many medical and physical problems and is often accompanied by feelings of guilt, depression, and self-condemnation.
bulimia nervosa treatment

Symptoms of Bulimia

Signs and symptoms of bulimia include:

  • check_mark Evidence of binge eating
  • check_mark Evidence of purging behaviors – frequent trips to the restroom after meals, signs and/or smells of vomiting, presence of wrappers or packages of laxatives or diuretics
  • check_mark Skipping meals or eating small portions of food at regular meals
  • check_mark Stealing or hoarding food in strange places
  • check_mark Drinking excess amounts of water or non-caloric beverages
  • check_mark Excessive, rigid exercise regimen
  • check_mark Unusual swelling of the cheeks or jaw area
  • check_mark Calluses on the back of the hands and knuckles
  • check_mark Discoloration or staining of the teeth
  • check_mark Creation of complex lifestyle schedules/rituals to allow time for binge eating and purging
  • check_mark Withdrawal from friends, family, and/or activities
  • check_mark Behaviors and attitudes indicating a preoccupation with the importance of weight loss, dieting, and control of food
  • check_mark Binge eating and compensatory behaviors occur at least once a week for 3 months
  • check_mark Self-evaluation is inappropriately influenced by the person’s weight and shape
  • check_mark Extreme mood swings

Health Consequences of Bulimia

As the condition worsens, the symptoms of bulimia can eventually become more severe. Complications that can arise from an extended battle with bulimia include the following:

  • check_mark Electrolyte imbalances, which can lead to irregular heartbeats and possibly heart failure and death
  • check_mark Inflammation and/or rupture of the esophagus
  • check_mark Tooth decay and/or staining
  • check_mark Chronic irregular bowel movements and constipation
  • check_mark Gastric rupture
  • check_mark Pancreatitis

How We Treat

Our evidence-based clinical treatment modalities for treating anorexia include the following:

To learn more about our bulimia treatment program, check out our Locations Page to find the location closest to you.

Locations