Bulimia nervosa
Type of eating disorder / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Bulimia nervosa, also known as simply bulimia, is an eating disorder characterized by binge eating followed by purging or fasting, and excessive concern with body shape and weight.[9][2] This activity aims to expel the body of calories eaten from the binging phase of the process.[9] Binge eating refers to eating a large amount of food in a short amount of time.[2] Purging refers to the attempts to get rid of the food consumed.[2] This may be done by vomiting or taking laxatives.[2]
This article needs to be updated. (September 2022) |
Bulimia nervosa | |
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Other names | Bulimia |
Loss of enamel (acid erosion) from the inside of the upper front teeth as a result of bulimia | |
Specialty | Psychiatry, clinical psychology |
Symptoms | Eating a large amount of food in a short amount of time followed by vomiting or the use of laxatives, often normal weight[1][2] |
Complications | Breakdown of the teeth, depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, suicide[2][3] |
Causes | Genetic and environmental factors[2][4] |
Diagnostic method | Based on person's medical history[5] |
Differential diagnosis | Anorexia, binge eating disorder, Kleine-Levin syndrome, borderline personality disorder[5] |
Treatment | Cognitive behavioral therapy[2][6] |
Medication | Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressant[4][7] |
Prognosis | Half recover over 10 years with treatment[4] |
Frequency | 3.6 million (2015)[8] |
Other efforts to lose weight may include the use of diuretics, stimulants, water fasting, or excessive exercise.[2][4] Most people with bulimia are at normal weight.[1] The forcing of vomiting may result in thickened skin on the knuckles, breakdown of the teeth, and effects on metabolic rate and caloric intake which cause thyroid dysfunction.[2][10] Bulimia is frequently associated with other mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder,[11] bipolar disorder,[12] and problems with drugs or alcohol.[2] There is also a higher risk of suicide and self-harm.[3]
Bulimia is more common among those who have a close relative with the condition.[2] The percentage risk that is estimated to be due to genetics is between 30% and 80%.[4] Other risk factors for the disease include psychological stress, cultural pressure to attain a certain body type, poor self-esteem, and obesity.[2][4] Living in a culture that commercializes or glamorizes dieting and having parental figures who fixate on weight are also risks.[4]
Diagnosis is based on a person's medical history;[5] however, this is difficult, as people are usually secretive about their binge eating and purging habits.[4] Further, the diagnosis of anorexia nervosa takes precedence over that of bulimia.[4] Other similar disorders include binge eating disorder, Kleine–Levin syndrome, and borderline personality disorder.[5]