Get Help for Bulimia
Signs and symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa
Like any other disorder or medical condition, there are signs and symptoms that eventually come to the surface when a Bulimic condition is present. They are broken down into 3 separate categories as follows:
Bingeing signs and symptoms:
- alternating between fasting and overeating
- eating excessive amounts of food
- food disappearing
- lacking control of how much you eat
- trying to be secret about eating
Purging signs and symptoms:
- excessive exercising
- going to the restroom once you have finished eating
- trying to hide the smell of vomit by using air fresheners, gums, mints, mouthwashes, or perfumes
- using diuretics, enemas, and laxatives once you have finished eating
Physical signs and symptoms:
- calluses and scarring on the hands and/or knuckles from inducing vomiting by sticking your fingers down your throat
- discoloration of the teeth
- frequent weight fluctuations
- puffy cheeks (“chipmunk” cheeks) resulting from frequent vomiting
If any of the above signs and symptoms is present, then you need to get help for Bulimia at an eating disorder treatment and recovery facility.
Bulimia therapy and treatment
It has been stated by many medical professionals, whose expertise is in the field of eating disorders, that the best treatment manager for a person suffering with Bulimia Nervosa is a psychiatrist that is trained in the areas of medicine and psychology. Individuals who are suffering with an eating disorder oftentimes present numerous complications of a medical and psychological nature. These can normally be reversed by taking a multi-disciplinary approach to the treatment of the disorder.
Currently the treatment of choice when an individual needs to get help for Bulimia is cognitive-behavioral therapy. This type of therapy targets eating behaviors that are unhealthy as well as the negative, unrealistic thoughts that trigger the behavior. Here is what the individual can expect during Bulimia Nervosa therapy:
- breaking the vicious cycle of bingeing and purging
- changing unhealthy behavior patters and thoughts
- solving any emotional issues that are present
Initially, when you first get help for Bulimia, it may seem hopeless and like there is no escaping the disorder. However, there is hope for a brighter future and recovery is usually within reach. With the right eating disorder treatment and recovery program, you can overcome your disorder and regain your self-confidence and self esteem. It’s just a simple matter of combining smart self-help strategies and the support from others with your eating disorder treatment.
Harmony Grove is an eating disorder treatment and recovery center that offers intensive out-patient, day treatment programs in order to enable you to get help for Bulimia.