Bulimia nervosa what is it

The focus is on changing your behavior and correcting any nutritional problems. Therapy looks at the link between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The therapist will explore the patterns of thinking that lead to self —destructive actions and help change that thinking. Medicine usually anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medicines may help if you are also anxious or depressed. The binge-purge cycles can happen from many times a day to several times a week. There are 2 ways people with bulimia restrict calories: Purging type.

The person engages in self-induced vomiting or misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas, or other medicines that clear the intestines. Nonpurging type. The person uses other behaviors, such as fasting or excessive exercise, rather than purging behaviors. Who is at risk for bulimia? Bulimia most often affects females and starts during the teenage years.

But, it can also affect males. People with bulimia are more likely to come from families with a history of eating disorders, physical illness, and other mental health problems. Other illnesses, such as substance abuse, anxiety disorders, and mood disorders are common in people with bulimia. What causes bulimia? The cause of bulimia is not known. Society and cultural ideals that assign value based on body weight and shape play a role. There is also a genetic link as eating disorders tend to run in families.

What are the symptoms of bulimia? These are the most common symptoms of bulimia: Usually a normal or above average body weight Recurrent episodes of binge eating and fear of not being able to stop eating Self-induced vomiting usually secretive Excessive exercise Excessive fasting Peculiar eating habits or rituals Inappropriate use of laxatives or diuretics Irregular or absence of menstruation Anxiety Discouraged feelings related to dissatisfaction with themselves and the way their body looks Depression Preoccupation with food, weight, and body shape Throat is always inflamed or sore Tiredness and decreased energy Dental problems due to erosion of enamel from vomiting Most people with eating disorders also share certain traits including: Low self-esteem Feelings of helplessness Fear of getting fat Intense unhappiness with their body shape and size If you have bulimia, you may binge to reduce stress and ease anxiety.

With binge eating comes guilt, disgust, and depression. Purging brings only short-term relief. You may be impulsive and more likely to take part in risky behaviors, such as alcohol and drug abuse. How is bulimia diagnosed? Bulimia may cause numerous serious and even life-threatening complications. Possible complications include:. Although there's no sure way to prevent bulimia, you can steer someone toward healthier behavior or professional treatment before the situation worsens.

Here's how you can help:. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Bulimia boo-LEE-me-uh nervosa, commonly called bulimia, is a serious, potentially life-threatening eating disorder.

Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Bulimia nervosa. Arlington, Va. Accessed Feb. Bulimia nervosa. Merck Manual Professional Version. Engel S, et al. Bulimia nervosa in adults: Clinical features, course of illness, assessment, and diagnosis.

Accessed Jan. Davis H, et al. Pharmacotherapy of eating disorders. Current Opinion in Psychiatry. Eating disorders. National Alliance on Mental Illness. These symptoms may not be easy to spot in someone else because bulimia can make people behave very secretively. Read more about the symptoms of bulimia and warning signs in others. Getting help and support as soon as possible gives you the best chance of recovering from bulimia. They'll ask you questions about your eating habits and how you're feeling, and will check your overall health and weight.

If they think you may have bulimia or another eating disorder, they should refer you to an eating disorder specialist or team of specialists. It can be very hard to admit you have a problem and ask for help. It may make things easier if you bring a friend or loved one with you to your appointment. You can also talk in confidence to an adviser from the eating disorders charity Beat by calling their adult helpline on or youth helpline on If you're concerned that someone close to you may have bulimia, let them know you're worried about them and encourage them to see a GP.

You could offer to go along with them. Read more about talking to your child about eating disorders and supporting someone with an eating disorder.