A Guide to Mental Illness - Bulimia Nervosa

DESCRIPTION

Bulimia nervosa is a disorder that is more common than anorexia^[1], but harder to identify. It involves the sufferer consuming large amounts of food (binge eating) then vomiting, or taking laxatives, to try to prevent weight gain. It is harder to identify than anorexia as the sufferers body weight remains roughly the same.

CAUSES

A person usually becomes bulimic when they feel as if they do not have control over their life and the events within it.^[2]They enjoy the control they feel they have over their eating habits and will often hoard food. However, the cyclic pattern of eating and purging does eventually become out of their control as it becomes an addiction.^[2]

SYMPTOMS

A bulimic person may suffer from malnutrition, dehydration, hyponatremia (lack of sodium in the plasma), a damaged voice, vitamin/mineral deficiencies, teeth erosion, gum disease, gland swelling, skin irritation and inflammation, gastric rupture, laxative dependence, pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), callused/bruised fingers, dry or brittle skin hair and nails, lanugo growth (an attempt by the body to cover areas with fat deficiency with hair), muscle atrophy (decrease in size of skeletal muscle), erratic or unusual bowel activity, digestive problems, lower or higher blood pressure, iron deficiency, hormonal imbalances, hyperactivity, depression, insomnia, infertility, high risk pregnancy, miscarriage, osteoporosis, arthritis, high blood sugar, liver, kidney, heart failure, weakness and fatigue, seizures, epileptic fits, paralysis, and possible death.^[2]

PREVALENCE AND SUSCEPTIBILITY

Bulimia is often triggered by feelings of loss of control over life^[2], and pressure to conform to what is considered to be the right size and weight. Deep psychological issues and traumas may also come into play.^[2] Many bulimics also suffer from bipolar disorder or clinical depression as a side effect of their eating disorder (or as a cause).^[2] There is some speculation that there may be a genetic factor in the development of bulimia^[3]. It is estimated than eight in 100 women may suffer from bulimia in their lifetime.^[3] Though other studies suggest around half of this figure is more accurate.^[3] Additionally, more women suffer from bulimia than men, and it is most common in the later stages of adolescence.^[3]

TREATMENT

One initial aim of the treatment for bulimia is to get the sufferer eating healthily again.^[4] This is vital for them to remain healthy and survive. Severe cases of bulimia can be submitted to hospital under mental health laws to prevent suicide or self harm.^[4] Once treatment is under way, anti-depressant drugs can be prescribed and psychotherapy can begin.^[4] Psychotherapy is 'talking therapy'- where the sufferer discusses the problems within their lives and their relationships, to help them regain a sense of control. Some psychotherapy methods focus on relationships, some focus on healthy eating.^[4] Bulimia treatment can also involve attending self-help groups where problems can be discussed with those who have already suffered from or are recovering from bulimia, which can help to reduce the guilt that may be felt when talking about their troubles.^[4]

SOURCES