| Basic Information |
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| Description |
|
A psychological eating disorder characterized by abnormal perception of
body image, constant craving for food and binge eating, followed by
self-induced vomiting or laxative use. It affects adolescents or
young adults, usually female
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| Frequent Signs and Symptoms |
Recurrent episodes of binge eating (rapid consumption of a large
amount of food in a short time, usually less than 2 hours), plus at
least 3 of the following:
- Preference for high-calorie, convenience foods during a binge
- Secretive eating during a binge. Patients are aware that the
eating pattern is abnormal, and they fear being unable to stop eating
- Termination of an eating binge with purging measures, such as
laxative use or self-induced vomiting
- Depression and guilt following an eating binge
- Repeated attempts to lose weight with severely restrictive diets,
self-induced vomiting and use of laxatives or diuretics
- Frequent weight fluctuations greater than 10 pounds from alternately
fasting and gorging
- No underlying physical disorder
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| Causes |
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Unknown; thought to be largely emotional
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| Risk Increases With |
- Strict, compulsive, perfectionistic family environment
- Anorexia nervosa
- Depression
- Stress, including lifestyle changes, such as moving or starting
a new school or job
- Neurotic preoccupation with being physically attractive
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| Preventive Measure |
- Raise children in a wholesome family environment with emphasis
on caring and good communication rather than on external appearances
- Encourage rational attitude about weight
- Avoid stress
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| Expected Outcome |
- Outcome is variable; patients can learn to control the behavior
with counseling, psychotherapy, biofeedback training and individual
or group psychotherapy
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| Possible Complications |
- Fluid and electrolyte imbalance from vomiting; dental disease;
stomach rupture (rare)
- Without treatment, complications can be fatal
- Relapse
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| Treatment/Post Procedure Care |
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| General Measures |
- Therapy will consist of assessing nutritional status, establishing
target goals, identifying triggers, improving relationships, overall
well-being, techniques to avoid stress, etc
- Treatment in an eating disorder facility may be recommended
- Hospitalization in severe cases
- Psychotherapy or counseling that may include hypnosis or biofeedback
training
- Additional information available from:
- Anorexia Nervosa & Related Eating Disorders, P.O. Box 5102, Eugene,
OR 97405, (503) 344-1144
- Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, Box 7, Highland Park,
IL 60035, (708) 831-3438
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| Medication |
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Antidepressants may be prescribed. They are sometimes helpful for
some patients
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| Activity |
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No restrictions
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| Diet |
- If hospitalization is necessary, intravenous fluids may be prescribed.
During recovery, vitamin and mineral supplements will be necessary
until signs of deficiency disappear and normal eating patterns are
established
- For outpatient therapy, supervision and regulation of eating
habits, a food diary may be maintained, feared foods will be reintroduced
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| Notify Your Healthcare Provider If |
You have symptoms of bulimia or you suspect your child has bulimia
The following occur during treatment:
- Rapid, irregular heartbeat or chest pain
- Loss of consciousness
- Cessation of menstrual periods
- Repeated vomiting or diarrhea
- Continued weight loss, despite treatment
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