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Bulimia Nervosa Information
Bulimia is an eating disorder characterized by eating large amounts of food or a normal size meal, and a need to eliminate what has been consumed. Most frequently, a bulimic will "binge" on a large amount of food and vomit to "purge" the body of the caloric intake. Other forms of bulimia include the need to "purge" through exercise, starving for days following a binge, using Ipecac to induce vomiting, and the use of laxatives and diuretics to "purge" food and water.
A person with bulimia can be self-indulgent and have a difficult time delaying gratification in many areas. They can be secretive and dishonest by lying, stealing food and money. There may be dental damage, intestinal disorders, stomach problems, and frequently a drug or alcohol problem. Repeated vomiting causes mood swings due to a chemical imbalance from purging. Bulimics feel very isolated.
Diagnostic Criteria of Bulimia Nervosa
- Binge eating, twice a week (average) for 3 months.
- Regret after binges, including guilt, shame, and/or physical distress.
- Compensation after binges by purging (vomiting, laxatives, and diuretics) exercising, or fasting.
- Psychopathologic disturbance exhibited by a fear of fatness and perceived distortion of the body.
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