Bulimia Nervosa Eating disorders are devastating behavioral illnesses caused by a complex interaction of factors, which may include emotional and personality disorders, family pressures, a possible genetic or biological predisposition, and a culture in which they don't exist is an overabundance of food and an obsession with thinness. Eating disorders can also be defined as self-abuse. Two of these disorders, anorexia and bulimia, arise from the fear of eating too much and gaining weight. This article explains what bulimia means, its causes, symptoms, medical consequences and treatment. What is bulimia nervosa? Bulimia is an eating disorder characterized by binge eating followed by self-induced vomiting, use of laxatives or diuretics, and strict dieting. or fasting, or excessive exercise. Although the disorder can affect men, the preponderance of people with bulimia are teenagers and young women. Many are self-critical, perfectionist women from high-class families. There are two subtypes of bulimia nervosa: purging and non-purging. It occurs in 0.5%-2.0% of adolescents and young adult women. Purging type: This subtype describes presentations in which the person engages in self-induced vomiting or the misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas during the current episode. Non-purging type: This subtype describes the presentation in which the person has used other inappropriate compensatory behaviors, such as fasting or excessive exercise, but has not regularly engaged in self-induced vomiting or misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas during the current episode. Furthermore, bulimics are usually of average or above average weight, present continuous feelings of isolation, self-deprecating thoughts, depression, low self-esteem and there is a full recognition of the behavior as abnormal, for example: – Making excuses to go to the bathroom after meals.- Shows mood swings.- Buys large amounts of food, which then goes away suddenly.- Has unusual swelling around the jaw.- Eats large amounts of food suddenly.- Often wrappers of laxatives or diuretics found inside garbage can.- If there is an unexplained disappearance of food in your home or residence.- What causes bulimia? Although the exact cause is not known, in the vast majority of cases bulimia is believed to be related to a complex network. .... half of the sheet ......n. Most patients can be treated based on the output. However, other complications may indicate the need for hospitalization. Partial hospitalization programs are also available. Individual and group psychotherapy have proven effective, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy. Antidepressants, nutritional counseling, couples therapy, and support groups may be part of treatment. The primary objectives of the treatment are: - Normalization of eating patterns and daily calorie intake. - Elimination of binge eating. - Abandonment of self-evaluation based on body weight and shape. - Improved self-esteem. - Improved problem solving and decision-making skills. - Improved coping skills. - Increased self-awareness of personal needs. - Development of a solid concept of himself. Medication is sometimes used to assist in the treatment of eating disorders such as bulimia, however it is important to understand that there is no "magic pill" even those who are in recovery and taking medications should be in some type of therapeutic environment. Some of these drugs are Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Effexor, Remeron, Wellbutrin, Luvox, Lithium, Desipramine, Imipramine, Xanax and Naltrexone.