Likeminds Taranaki

Bulimia Nervosa

What is Bulimia?

Bulimia is the shortened term for an eating disorder called Bulimia Nervosa and is a form of Anorexia Nervosa

Those with Bulmia eat in binges and then purge the body of the ingested food either by self induced vomiting or excessive use of laxatives and/or diuretics.

What are signs of Bulimia?

• Increased concern about weight.
• Disgust with body shape.
• Wearing only baggy clothes or concealing clothing.
• Exercising excessively.
• Being moody or angry when asked about dieting.
• Fasting.
• Vomiting after meals.
• Frequent use of laxatives and diuretics.

What causes Bulimia?

• It is often from media pressure to be thin and beautiful.
• There may be genetic influences leading to a stronger likelihood to develop anorexia.

How common is Bulimia?

Approximately 2% of females have some form of Bulimia.

Bulimia often begins with worry about weight as a reaction to the changes in body shape and weight gain that commonly occur at puberty. Excessive dieting then leads to a dramatic weight loss. The person can lose so much weight that their health begins to suffer.

Family and whanau and friends may tell them that they have become too thin, however Bulimia sufferers are not easily convinced that they are not overweight.

How is Bulimia diagnosed?

How is Bulimia treated?

Individual and/or family and group therapy are important for those with Bulimia. People with Bulimia are helped to develop a healthier concept of their body shape and learn to correct eating habits. The destructive nature of binging and purging is reinforced. A cognitive behavioural approach to therapy and/or medications may also be used.

Group members can offer each other valuable support in monitoring eating and weight gain and in improving self esteem.

Bulimia can be treated through outpatient services, however, when weight loss is severe, hospitalisation may be necessary.

Medications can be effective for the treatment of anxiety and/or depression in Bulimia sufferers.

The major breakthrough to treatment comes with education, when the Bulimia sufferer realises the detrimental effects Bulimia has on the body and mind and decides to resume normal eating habits.

What happens to someone with Bulimia?

Unfortunately, there have been no long-term studies focussing on the course of Bulimia. Some people respond well to psychotherapy and other treatments. Others may experience long remissions from Bulimia.

Resources in Taranaki:

The following organisations may provide assistance and support:

The following websites provide information on anorexia nervosa:

Like Minds Taranaki gratefully acknowledges the financial support of this website by the Ministry of Health

Feedback is always welcome
Like Minds Taranaki, 06-759-0966, email: mental.health@xtra.co.nz

or on our Facebook page at:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Like-Minds-Taranaki/129833373781933