Bulimia
BulimiaBULIMIA
Eating disorders are devastating behavioral maladies brought on by a complex interplay of factors, which may include emotional and personality disorders, family pressure, a possible genetic or biologic susceptibility, and a culture in which there is an overabundance of food and an obsession with thinness. Eating disorder also may be defined, as self-abuse. Two of these disorders, anorexia and bulimia, result from the fear or overeating and of gaining weight. This paper talks about 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, the use of laxatives or diuretics, strict dieting or fasting, or excessive exercise. Although the disorder can affect men, the preponderance of people with bulimia are female adolescents and young women. Many are self-critical, perfectionist women from high achieving families. There are two subtype of bulimia nervosa: purging and nonpurging, it occurs in 0.5 percent to 2.0 percent of adolescents and young adult women. Purging type: this subtype describes presentations in which the person has regulatory engaged in self-induced vomiting or the misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas during the current episode. Nonpurging type: this subtype describes 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 the misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas during the current episode. Also, bulimics are usually of average or above average weight, there are ongoing feelings of isolation, self-deprecating thoughts, depression, low self-esteem, and there is a full recognition of the behavior as abnormal, for example:
- Make excuses to go to the bathroom after meals.
- Shows mood swings.
- Buys large amounts of food, which suddenly disappears.
- Has unusual swelling around the jaw.
- Eats large amounts of food on the spur of the moment.
- Laxative or diuretic wrappers frequently found in trash can.
- If there is unexplained disappearance of food in the home or residence hall setting.
- What causes Bulimia?
Although the exact cause is not known, in a great majority of cases bulimia is thought to be related to a complex network of psychological and emotional factors. Rather than food itself being the central issue, other underlying concerns such as low self- esteem, feelings of inadequacy, a high need for approval from others, a sense o being out control, and high expectations for achievement can lead to bulimic behaviors. In this culture, societal messages also play a significant role by placing an exaggerated importance on physical attractiveness and thinness, and offering an often unattainable and unhealthy ideal. However, there is no one cause for this eating disorder. Many factors contribute to them, for example: a possible genetic predisposition, a metabolic and biochemical problems or abnormalities, social pressure to be thin and personal of family pressures.
- What are the symptoms of Bulimia?
Binging often occurs after a psychological or emotional episode such as depression,...
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