Bulimia is an eating disorder characterized by binge eating of high calorie foods, often followed by purging with a laxative or self-induced vomiting. Binge eating is usually followed by depressive moods and self-deprecating thoughts. Bulimia may be associated with another eating disorder, anorexia nervosa, in which individuals attempt to severely restrict their food intake in order to lower their weight to dangerously low levels. The binging and purging of bulimia is, as in anorexia nervosa, a way to fulfill their occasional urge to eat and still maintain their weight. Bulimia, which is rarely seen in males, usually begins in late adolescence and is often associated with an attempt to lose weight. At first, bulimics learn that binging/purging is a useful method of maintaining weight. At some point, however, they lose control of the ability to stop binging.
Some researchers believe the disorder may develop through excessive parental pressure and standards. Bulimics tend to be perfectionists with high standards and poor self-esteem. It has been found that some bulimics display brain chemistry characteristics of certain forms of depression.
Question: Can bulimia be detected in its early stages?
Usually not. The bulimic typically hides the overeating and purging pattern, sometimes for years.
Question: How is bulimia treated?
Bulimia is usually treated on an outpatient basis, often combining individual and family therapy. Some bulimics respond to antidepressant drug therapy. In recent years, support groups have formed to help bulimics and their families understand and cope with the disorder.
