Individuals who suffer from Bulimia Nervosa engage in a cycle of binging and purging. They will binge, eating a large quantity of food within a relatively short period of time and then purge, through taking laxatives or self-induced vomiting.

Binge eating is defined as consuming in a relatively short period of time (ie: a two-hour period) an amount of food that is markedly larger than most people would eat during a similar time period. Binge eating also involves a lack of self control during the episode, for example a feeling that one cannot stop eating.

While the specific causes vary from case to case, generally bulimics feel overwhelmed in coping with their emotions or are punishing themselves for something that they could not reasonably have caused. Those suffering with Bulimia may engage in episodes of binging and purging to avoid feelings of anger, depression, stress or anxiety.

Bulimics often have problems with anxiety and depression. They often give into their impulses through shoplifting, casual sexual activity, binge drug or alcohol use, and other behaviors that ultimately cause harm. Some do not handle stress gracefully or have problems trusting other people. Usually, bulimics have few or no satisfying friendships or romantic relationships.

Those suffering from Bulimia are usually aware that they have an eating disorder. While the behavioral signs vary depending on the individual, common indicators include recurring episodes of rapid food consumption followed by tremendous guilt, feeling a lack of control over eating behaviors, regularly engaging in strict diet and exercise regimens, misusing laxatives, and a persistent concern with body image. Bulimics are often fascinated by food and sometimes buy magazines and cook books to read recipes and dieting information. They also may take diet pills to keep from binging, use diuretics to attempt to lose weight, or fast the day following a binge. More Symptoms

Many of those suffering with Bulimia are survivors of sexual, physical, or emotional abuse. There is also a direct connection between this eating disorder and clinical depression. All in all, eating disorders are actions that display very complex emotional conflicts that need to be resolved for the person to have a healthy relationship with food.

About 80% of persons with eating disorders who seek professional help recover completely or make significant progress. All in all, eating disorders are behavior patterns that display very complex emotional conflicts, which need to be resolved for the person to have a healthy relationship with food.

If you think you have an eating disorder, contact CAPS at (215) 898-7021 or The Renfrew Center of Philadelphia at 1-800-RENFREW.

References:
“Bulimia,” Something Fishy Website. Viewed 07 July 2004.

“The Better Known Eating Disorders,” ANRED Website. Viewed 07 July 2004.

“Treatment and Recovery,” ANRED Website. Viewed 07 July 2004.

“Who Gets Eating Disorders?” ANRED Website. Viewed 07 July 2004.