Treatments for Bulimia Nervosa
Understanding the dangers of Bulimia Nervosa
One of the primary eating disorders that are characterized by alternating episodes of overeating followed by purging the food that has been consumed is Bulimia Nervosa. This is basically an emotional and psychological disorder but it can also result in some very serious physical consequences. If the individual does not enroll in professional treatments for Bulimia Nervosa, chronic illnesses can develop and become life-threatening, even fatal. Additionally, the disorder is about 9 to 10 times more common in women than in men.
However, the disorder is not exclusive to women as men can develop it as well. Granted, the more common occurrences are within the Western Caucasian female demographics of teenage and young adult years. This may be due to the fact that American society is overly pre-occupied with appearance, being thin, and preventing weight gain. Family, parental, and peer pressures also play a significant role in the development of the disorder so the need for effective treatments for Bulimia Nervosa has become more important than ever.
Conditions that result from Bulimia Nervosa
When an individual has developed the disorder, they literally become trapped in a vicious cycle of binging and purging. In normal cases, the individual may repeat the cycle two or three times per week, whereas in the more severe cases, that repetition of the cycle may be as frequent as several times per day. The following are some serious health conditions that can develop with prolonged binging and purging:
- peptic ulcers
- infertility and/or a decrease in menstruation
- enlarged glands in the neck
- electrolyte imbalance
- dehydration caused by frequent vomiting
- constipation
- constant body weight fluctuations
- chronic gastric reflux after eating
Additionally, if individuals with the disorder fail to find effective treatments for Bulimia Nervosa, they may suffer even more severe complications such as cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness, and seizures. In many cases, over-exercising will oftentimes replace the individual’s normal activities and responsibilities. Finally, Bulimia Nervosa exhibits the highest mortality rate of any of the behavioral, emotional, and psychological disorders that exist. Fatalities range from 10% to 25% of the time, many of them due to suicide.
Finding effective professional treatments for Bulimia Nervosa
When an individual suffers with any chronic form of the disorder, finding treatments for Bulimia Nervosa becomes critical before it becomes life-threatening or the person dies. Both of these groups can provide you or a loved one with important information regarding any of the eating disorders that exist and the treatment options for them. They have extensive knowledge of:
- help lines or eating disorder “hotlines”
- links to recovery organizations
- listings of bulimic treatment options including private facilities
They will provide you with educational materials and other subject matter regarding eating disorders and treatments for Bulimia Nervosa.