Bulimia Nervosa
Eating Disorders
Most of us take our body for granted we wake up in the morning assuming we will be alert enough to handle our required daily activities; we eat two or three meals a day and perhaps a number of snacks, we may engage in some vigorous exercise and, on some days, in sexual activity. We don't focus on our functioning to any great degree unless it is disrupted by illness or disease. Yet Psychological and social factors can significantly disrupt these activity of Survival. Eating Disorder comes under such Psychological disorder. This disorder diagnoses Bulimia Nervosa, Anorexia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, obesity etc.
About Bulimia Nervosa:
Bulimia Nervosa is an out of control eating episodes. The hallmark of Bulimia Nervosa is eating a larger amount of food- typically, more junk food than fruit and vegetables- than most people eat under similar circumstances.
Diagnostic Criteria is recurrent episodes of binge eating. The binge eating and inappropriate compensatory behaviors both occur, on average, at least once week for 3 months. Self-Evaluation is unduly influenced by body shape and weight. The disturbance does not occur exclusively during episodes of anorexia nervosa.
SYMPTOMS
1. Eating within any 2-hour period, an amount of food larger than most people.
2. Feeling of losing control of eating.
3. In order to prevent weight gain:
a. Self-induced vomiting
b. Misuse of laxatives.
c. Diuretics or other medications.
d. Fasting.
e. Excessive Exercise.
MEDICAL CONSEQUENCES
Chronic Bulimia with purging has a number of medical consequences. Salivary Gland Enlargement, which gives the face a chubby appearance. Repeated vomiting also may erode the dental enamel on the inner surface of the front teeth as well as esophagus. More important continued vomiting may upset the chemical balance of bodily fluids, including sodium and potassium level. This condition, called an electrolyte imbalance, can result in serious medical complications if unattended, including cardiac arrhythmia (disrupted heartbreak), Seizures, and renal (Kidney) failure, all of which can be fatal Intestinal problems resulting from laxative abuse are also potentially serious; they can include severe constipation or permanent colon damage.
Some individuals with Bulimia have marked calluses on their fingers or the backs of their hands caused by the friction of contact with the teeth and throat when repeatedly sticking their fingers down their throat to stimulate the gag reflex.
Associated Psychological Disorders
An individual with bulimia usually present with a anxiety and mood disorder. It is also related to Substance Use Disorders.
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REFERENCE
David H. Barlow, BOSTON UNIVERSITY
V. Mark Durand, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA- ST. PETERSBERG
2. ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY: 9TH EDITION
Davision G.C., Neale, J.M. and Kring, A.M.
3. ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY
Allov. L.B.: Riskind, J.H. and Manos, M.J.
4. ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY AND MODERN LIFE. NY: Harper and Collins. 2000
Carson. R.C. and Butcher. N.J.