Bulimia, or bulimia nervosa, is a disorder characterized by episodes of binge eating, followed by compensatory behaviors to avoid weight gain, such as forcing yourself to vomit, using laxatives or practicing very intense physical exercise.
Most cases of bulimia occur in young women and, in addition to excessive concern about weight gain, the person may also have anxiety disorder, borderline disorder or major depressive disorder, for example.
Whenever any sign indicative of bulimia is noticed, it is important that the person receives support from family members and is accompanied by a nutritionist and psychologist, with the aim of improving their quality of life and avoiding behaviors related to bulimia.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of bulimia are:
- Uncontrollable desire to eat (binge eating);
- Compensatory behaviors after meals, such as forcing vomiting;
- Regularly use laxatives, diuretics or appetite suppressants;
- Exercising excessively after eating excessively;
- Eating large amounts of food in secret;
- Feelings of anguish and guilt after overeating;
- Frequent inflammations in the throat;
- Recurrent appearance of tooth decay and worn teeth;
- Abdominal pain and inflammation in the gastrointestinal system frequently;
- Irregular menstruation.
Furthermore, it is also possible for the person to present signs and symptoms of dehydration and malnutrition, which occurs as a consequence of habits related to bulimia nervosa, as well as depression, irritability, anxiety, low self-esteem and an excessive need to control calories.
Difference between bulimia and anorexia
In bulimia nervosa, the person usually has the appropriate weight or is slightly above the ideal weight, as they continue to eat, even if they have compensatory behaviors to avoid weight gain.
In anorexia, it is normal for the person to be well below the weight considered ideal, as it is common for them to stop eating correctly, placing various dietary restrictions that sharply reduce the amount of calories ingested. Understand better how to differentiate bulimia and anorexia.
What causes bulimia
Bulimia nervosa does not have a defined cause, however it is usually related to the cult of the body, which can be directly influenced by the media or the behavior of family and close friends, for example.
Because of this, people often interpret that their body is not ideal and start to “blame” it. As a result, it is common for people to eat what they want, but then, due to feelings of guilt, they end up eliminating what they ate so that there is no weight gain.
Bulimia complications
Complications of bulimia vary depending on the compensatory behavior after eating, but may include:
- Reflux and stomach wounds;
- Dehydration;
- Swelling in the cheeks;
- Deterioration of teeth;
- Absence of menstruation or change in the menstrual cycle;
- Depression and mood changes;
- Dry skin, hair loss and brittle nails;
- Fatigue and weakness;
- Insomnia;
- Intestinal inflammation and chronic constipation;
- Changes in bones, with a greater risk of osteoporosis;
- Muscle spasms;
- Heart, lung or kidney problems.
To prevent the development of complications, it is important that bulimia is identified and treated in accordance with the guidance of a psychologist, psychiatrist and nutritionist.
How the treatment is carried out
Due to the fact that bulimia nervosa is a psychological and eating disorder, it is important that the person is monitored by a psychologist and a nutritionist, mainly so that dietary re-education can begin and the development of a healthier relationship with food can be encouraged. to avoid compensatory behaviors.
In addition, it is often necessary to take vitamin and mineral supplements, as well as some antidepressant medications and/or medications that help prevent vomiting. In severe cases, it may even be necessary to be hospitalized or admitted to clinics specializing in the treatment of eating disorders.
1. Cognitive behavioral therapy
Carrying out cognitive behavioral therapy is important so that the psychologist can identify the person’s behavior and suggest ways to make the person think differently to face situations and feelings that may be related to bulimia, as well as being important for establish body awareness strategies and avoid compensatory behaviors.
In addition, therapy sessions can also be aimed at understanding the patient’s personal relationships or difficult moments such as loss of loved ones or major changes in personal or professional life, with the aim of strengthening relationships with family and friends, who can provide support. to overcome bulimia.
Therapy sessions should be held 1 to 2 times a week and group therapy may also be recommended, as in this situation other people who also have bulimia or who have already been treated can participate and share their experiences, promoting empathy and stimulating the treatment.
2. Nutritional monitoring
Nutritional monitoring is fundamental in the treatment of bulimia and is done in order to clarify doubts about food and food calories, showing how to make healthy food choices to promote weight control or loss without putting health at risk, in addition to stimulating a healthy relationship with food.
In this way, the nutritionist prepares a food plan for the person, respecting their preferences and lifestyle, and which promotes the correct development and good functioning of the body. Furthermore, the dietary plan is also made taking into account any nutritional deficiencies, and in some cases the use of vitamin and mineral supplements may be recommended, for example.
3. Use of medications
The use of medication is only indicated when during therapy the psychologist checks for signs that bulimia is related to another psychological disorder, such as depression or anxiety, for example.
In these cases, the person is referred to a psychiatrist so that a new evaluation can be carried out and the most appropriate medication can be recommended, which are generally selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants, such as fluoxetine, which help reduce compulsion. eating habits and compensatory behaviors, in addition to improving depressive symptoms.
It is important that the person uses the medication in accordance with the psychiatrist’s recommendation, as well as having regular consultations, as this allows the response to treatment to be checked and adjustments to the medication doses can be made.
