What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Binge-Purge Disorder
• Eating Disorder - Bulimia
• Non-Purging Bulimia

What is Bulimia Nervosa? (Definition/Background Information)

• Bulimia Nervosa is a potentially life-threatening eating disorder and illness. It can be caused by a variety of factors ranging from one’s genes to family and societal pressures
• Being young and female are risk factors for the condition. The causes (etiology) of Bulimia Nervosa can stem from a wide variety of factors that can act collaboratively
• The disorder can involve cycles of eating large amounts of food, followed by attempts to rid the body of the food in ways that are unhealthy to the body
• The act of purging can vary from self-induced vomiting to excessive exercising, as well as misuse of laxatives, enemas, and diuretics; which are signs and symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa. The binging and purging cycles associated with this eating disorder can result in dental hygiene and other complications
• Bulimia Nervosa may be diagnosed via blood testing for abnormalities, as well as via physical examination conducted by a medical professional. A physical examination of the mouth can be utilized in order to diagnose the condition
• Cognitive behavioral therapy, family based therapy, and interpersonal therapy are all viable treatment options for Bulimia Nervosa, which is typically a psychological disorder
• Bulimia Nervosa can be a long-term illness and its prognosis depends on the patient’s willingness as well as the impact of suitable therapy provided

Who gets Bulimia Nervosa? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Bulimia Nervosa is common in teenagers and young adults, but is most common in teenage girls
• The condition is more prone to affect females than males, but can manifest in both genders
• Bulimia Nervosa can affect any race or ethnicity

What are the Risk Factors for Bulimia Nervosa? (Predisposing Factors)

Following are the risk factors for Bulimia Nervosa:

• One of the primary risk factors for development of Bulimia Nervosa involves societal pressures from sports, work, or art
• Being a female raises the risk of developing Bulimia Nervosa
• Bulimia Nervosa often manifests in individuals in their late teenage years or in early adulthood
• Psychological disorders, including social anxiety disorders, and low self-esteem can lead to development of the condition
• Being overweight as a child or a teenager is a predisposing factor for the development of eating disorders such as Bulimia

It is imperative to mention that having a risk factor does not necessarily indicate that an individual will develop Bulimia Nervosa. A risk factor increases the probabilities of ascertaining the condition relative to someone without those risk factors. Some risk factors are more significant than others. 

What are the Causes of Bulimia Nervosa? (Etiology)

The specific cause of Bulimia Nervosa is unknown.

• Bulimia Nervosa is thought to be multifactorial in nature
• Eating disorders can stem from a wide variety of causes (biologic, emotional, and societal) that can act synergistically

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa?

Common signs and symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa may include:

• Recurrent cycles of consuming large amounts of food (binging) followed by self-induced vomiting (purging)
• Loss of self-control during binging
• Habit of eating until distress or uneasiness is felt
• Obsession with body image and self-esteem distortions
• Constantly fearing weight gain
• Extreme amounts of exercise as a means of calorie restriction
• Abusing laxatives, diuretics, or enemas after meals
• Using dietary supplements in excess in order to lose weight

How is Bulimia Nervosa Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Bulimia Nervosa may involve the following tools:

• A physical exam conducted by a qualified physician. Indicative results may show:
  • Broken blood vessels in the eyes due to persistent vomiting
  • Dryness of the mouth
  • Presence of rashes and acne
  • Electrolyte imbalances 
• Tests that check blood and urine for abnormalities including hypokalemia (potassium deficiency)
• Psychological evaluation that revolves around eating habits and an individual’s attitudes towards food

Various clinical conditions and diseases can share certain signs and symptoms. It is critical to note that one’s healthcare provider may perform additional tests in order to further narrow down the diagnosis more definitively. 

What are the possible Complications of Bulimia Nervosa?

Complications of Bulimia Nervosa that can occur include:

• Constipation
• Swelling of the throat
• Dental complications including cavities and gum disease
• Formation of hemorrhoids
• Lack of, or irregular periods in women
• Pancreatitis
• Development or progression of psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression
• Drug and/or alcohol use and abuse
• Tearing of the esophagus, due to stomach acid relocation from excessive vomiting
• Dehydration leading to kidney failure and electrolyte imbalances
• Irregular heartbeat and eventual heart failure
• Suicidal thoughts

How is Bulimia Nervosa Treated?

Treatment for Bulimia Nervosa is determined based on the severity of the symptoms. Treatments include:

• Psychotherapy including cognitive behavioral therapy, family based therapy, or interpersonal psychotherapy
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy is often used to help the individual recognize their own beliefs as well as behavior with regards to food. It seeks to help them establish newer perspectives towards food
  • Family based therapy is generally used when families or parents are looking to help a young adult with their unhealthy eating habit
  • Interpersonal psychotherapy is used to help individuals with Bulimia Nervosa address issues in their relationships with others
• Medications such as antidepressants can attenuate some of the symptoms that accompany Bulimia Nervosa
  • Fluoxetine (Prozac) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that can help normalize serotonin levels in the body
  • A combination of SSRIs and psychological therapy can be extremely effective
• Nutritional education provided by dieticians and other healthcare providers can help an individual with Bulimia Nervosa develop a step-by-step plan to develop healthy eating routines and nutritional values

How can Bulimia Nervosa be Prevented?

There is no hard and fast way to prevent Bulimia Nervosa, but steps can be taken to promote healthier attitudes and behaviors with regards to food.

• Parents should foster healthy body images in their children and listen to them, in order to allow them to express their feelings
• Families and/or friends should schedule regular shared meals in order to help reduce the probability of binge eating
• Family members or friends should provide support to those they believe might be at risk for, or are currently suffering from Bulimia Nervosa

What is the Prognosis of Bulimia Nervosa? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis for Bulimia Nervosa is that of a long-term illness. Even after treatments, those affected could still display symptoms of the disorder
• Individuals who undergo appropriate therapy and treatment willingly have a better probability of recovery

Additional Relevant Information for Bulimia Nervosa:

Although a possible genetic link for Bulimia Nervosa has only been suggested, it is possible that a deficiency in serotonin might play a role.