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What is Bulimia Nervosa and How is it Treated? Is This Eating Disorder Dangerous?

Rehab Articles

bulimia nervosa, eating disorder

bulimia nervosa, eating disorder

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder, just like anorexia and binge eating, and it can be a dangerous condition for many reasons. If you suffer from bulimia nervosa then you typically binge and purge, eating large amounts of food and then getting rid of it by vomiting or using other measures. This eating disorder can cause malnutrition, and vital body functions may become impaired because of the lack of proper nutrition. Bulimia nervosa can include the following symptoms:

  • Compulsive overeating, often foods high in fat and sugar

  • Inducing vomiting after binging

  • An unhealthy and false body image

  • Exercise that is excessive

  • The use of laxatives

  • Frequent weight changes

  • Abnormal bowel habits and function

  • Constantly dieting

  • Injuries to the hands and knuckles from inducing vomiting

  • Teeth and gums that are swollen or damaged

  • Lack of menstruation

  • Irregular menstrual periods

  • Sores in the throat or mouth caused by excessive vomiting

Treating bulimia nervosa can be difficult, and this is true of most eating disorders. Individual and group counseling is necessary, but you should also receive nutritional counseling and learn stress management techniques and methods as well. Equine therapy can help you rebuild trust, and the individual sessions with a therapist can help you uncover the causes of bulimia nervosa or other eating disorders in your specific case so they can be addressed and then resolved. If you or someone you know has bulimia nervosa or any eating disorder then help and treatment are important. If left unchecked these disorders can be deadly.

 

What is Anorexia Nervosa and What Treatment is Used With This Eating Disorder?

Rehab Articles

anorexia nervosa, eating disorder

anorexia nervosa, eating disorder

Anorexia nervosa is a phrase that many have heard, but do you know what this eating disorder is and how it is treated? If you suffer from anorexia nervosa then you have an obsession with food or the lack of it, and you believe that you are overweight even if you are dangerously thin. Many celebrities have suffered from this eating disorder and some have died because they refused to accept treatment and starved themselves to death or suffered cardiac arrest because of severe malnutrition. Symptoms of anorexia nervosa can include:

  • A negative self image

  • Greatly restricting food intake

  • Completely refusing to eat

  • Exercising to an excessive degree

  • Fear of weight gain

  • Withdrawing socially

  • Irregular menstrual cycles

  • A complete lack of menstruation

  • A very thin appearance

  • Irregular heart beat

  • Frequently feeling cold

  • Little energy

  • Irritability

  • Being preoccupied with food

  • Dehydration

  • Skin that is dry and flaky

  • Low blood pressure

Treatment for anorexia nervosa requires individual counseling as well as other treatment methods. Each person who has this eating disorder will have unique issues which cause the problem, and the root of these issues must be uncovered and resolved. Group sessions are also important so that you realize others share your problems and that you are not alone. If you suffer from anorexia nervosa or any other eating disorder then it is important to seek help as soon as possible. The false body image that you have could cause you serious and even permanent physical damage because of self starvation.