Bulimia nervosa is a type of eating disorder characterised by a cycle of bingeing and purging to undo the effects of binge eating. Bingeing is when a person eats a large amount of food in a short period of time. Purging is the compensatory behaviour that follows a binge, involving self-induced vomiting or misuse of laxatives to purge the consumed food. Although bulimia can occur in any age group, it is most common in individuals aged 15 - 25.
To be diagnosed with bulimia nervosa based on the DSM-5, the following criteria must be met:
Recurrent episodes of binge eating. An episode of binge eating is characterised by the following:
Eating, in a discrete period of time (e.g. within any 2-hour period), an amount of food that is definitely larger than most people would eat during a similar period of time and under similar circumstances.
A sense of lack of control over eating during the episode (e.g. a feeling that one cannot stop eating or control what or how much one is eating).
Recurrent inappropriate compensatory behaviour to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or other medications, fasting, or excessive exercise.
The binge eating and inappropriate compensatory behaviours both occur, on average, at least once a week for three months.
Self-evaluation is unduly influenced by body shape and weight.
The disturbance does not occur exclusively during episodes of anorexia nervosa.
However, even if one does not meet all of the DSM-5 criteria, they may still have a serious mental disorder. Furthermore, it may be difficult to spot symptoms in other poeple, as they may hide their symptoms from others. So here are some warning signs that one might have bulimia:
Evidence of binge eating, the disappearance of large amounts of food in a short period of time, or large amounts of empty wrappers and containers
Evidence of purging behaviours, including frequent trips to the bathroom after meals, signs of vomiting, or empty wrappers of laxatives
Fear of gaining weight
Hiding the body with baggy clothing
Unusual swelling around the cheeks and jaws
Extreme mood swings
Recurrent cycles of bingeing and purging put extreme pressure on the entire digestive system. As the food eaten isn’t being digestive fully, health issues that are similar in nature to anorexia can occur, such as fatigue and heart problems. Bulimia often leads to dental problems and swollen glands due to digestive enzymes in stomach acid.
It can take time, but one can fully recover from bulimia. The process would be different for every patient, so it is important to get the help of health professionals for treatment. They would probably ask you questions about your eating habits and mood and measure your height and weight. If you think that you or someone you know may have bulimia, don’t be afraid to ask for help. The day you realise is the day your recovery journey starts.
References
Comments