Bulimia Nervosa

• Bulimia nervosa is characterized by recurrent and frequent episodes of eating unusually large amounts of food (e.g., binge eating) and feeling a lack or control over the eating.
• This binge eating is followed by a type of behavior that compensates for the binge, such as purging (e.g., vomiting, excessive use of laxatives or diuretics), fasting, and/or excessive exercise.
• Usually, bulimic behavior is done secretly because it is often accompanied by feelings of disgust or shame. The binging and purging cycle usually repeats several times a week.

Signs & Symptoms:

• Fear of gaining weight, intense desire to lose weight, profound unhappiness with body size and shape
• Chronically inflamed and sore throat
• Swollen glands in the neck and below the jaw
• Worn tooth enamel and increasingly sensitive and decaying teeth as a result of exposure to stomach acids
• Fasting
• Excessive exercise
• Severe dehydration from purging fluids

Other illnesses and complications:

• Co-existing psychological illnesses, such as depression, anxiety, and/or substance abuse
• Many physical conditions result from the purging aspect of the illness, including electrolyte imbalances, gastrointestinal problems, and oral and tooth-related problems
• Acid reflux disorder and other gastrointestinal problems
• Gastroesophageal reflux disorder
• Intestinal distress and irritation from laxative abuse
• Kidney problems from diuretic abuse