Bulimia Recovery Center
The effects of the disorder
Bulimia typically exhibits two groups of side effects, the long-term and the short-term effects. Additionally, they are broken down into sub-categories as well. For instance, these side effects can correspond to the organs or system that the disorder affects such as:
- the bones
- cardio-vascular system
- gastro-intestinal system
- hormonal problems
- psychological problems
- renal system
- the skin
When an individual is suffering with bulimia nervosa and has entered a bulimia recovery center, the professionals taking care of them are fully trained to help deal with the client’s physical and psychological problems. This is important because some schools of thought feel that it is the psychological problems that cause the disorder as well as the reason that underlies it.
Mental and psychological effects
The mental effects of bulimia nervosa irritability, a lack of coping skills and strength, loss of memory, and poor concentration. The psychological effects are much more serious. The most common of these include:
- anxiety
- avoidance of others
- constantly thinking about food
- depression
- emotions and feelings that are uncontrollable
- inability to eat around other people
- mood changes
- poor body image
In addition to these psychological side effects, the individual will develop certain substance dependencies such as alcohol, drugs, and nicotine because of the fact that they are prone to substance abuse and addiction.
Physiological effects
The person who is undergoing a bulimia recovery center treatment program may have to be treated for a number of physiological issues such as:
Dental problems – enlargement of the salivary glands and erosion of tooth enamel from ongoing exposure to stomach acids
Gastro-intestinal problems – abdominal pain, bloating, constant reflux, esophageal problems, food digestion problems, and stomach ulcers
Hormonal irregularities – estrogen insufficiency leads to menstrual problems, inactivity and lethargy, reduced hormone production of the adrenal glands (causes sleepiness), and weakness of the entire body. Additionally, inadequate amounts of sex hormones are produced by the ovaries, which can lead to infertility, low sex drive, miscarriages, and problems carrying and conserving pregnancies
Immune system damage – results from severe mineral and vitamin deficiency which can result in frequent colds, flu, tonsillitis, and different infections throughout the body
For more information regarding Harmony Grove and our bulimia recovery center programs, please call us at the toll-free phone number listed above.