Bulimia Nervosa Eating Disorder (BNED)

Bulimia Nervosa - commonly called bulimia, is a serious, potentially life-threatening eating disorder. People with bulimia may secretly binge — eating large amounts of food with a loss of control over the eating — and then purge, trying to get rid of the extra calories in an unhealthy way.

Binge eating refers to eating a large amount of food in a short amount of time. Purging refers to the attempts to get rid of the food consumed. This may be done by vomiting or taking laxatives. Other efforts to lose weight may include the use of diuretics, stimulants, water fasting, or excessive exercise. Most people with bulimia are at a normal weight. The forcing of vomiting may result in thickened skin on the knuckles and breakdown of the teeth. Bulimia is frequently associated with other mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, and problems with drugs or alcohol. There is also a higher risk of suicide and self-harm. 

Symptoms

1) Being preoccupied with your body shape and weight

2) Living in fear of gaining weight

3) Repeated episodes of eating abnormally large amounts of food in one sitting

4) Feeling a loss of control during bingeing — like you can't stop eating or can't control what you eat

5) Forcing yourself to vomit or exercising too much to keep from gaining weight after bingeing

6) Using laxatives, diuretics or enemas after eating when they're not needed

7) Fasting, restricting calories or avoiding certain foods between binges

8) Using dietary supplements or herbal products excessively for weight loss

Behavioral symptoms

1) Eating uncontrollably, followed by purging

2) Hoarding or stealing food

3) Food rituals, like eating only a certain food, chewing more than necessary, or not allowing foods to touch

4) Skipping meals or eating only small portions during meals

5) Feeling out of control

6) Vomiting or abusing laxatives or diuretics to try to lose weight

7) Using the bathroom frequently after meals

8) Excessive exercising

9) Preoccupation with body weight

10) Depression or mood swings

Risk factors

1) Biology - People with first-degree relatives (siblings, parents or children) with an eating disorder may be more likely to develop an eating disorder, suggesting a possible genetic link. Being overweight as a child or teen may increase the risk.

2) Psychological and emotional issues - Psychological and emotional problems, such as depression, anxiety disorders or substance use disorders are closely linked with eating disorders. People with bulimia may feel negatively about themselves. In some cases, traumatic events and environmental stress may be contributing factors.

3) Dieting - People who diet are at higher risk of developing eating disorders. Many people with bulimia severely restrict calories between binge episodes, which may trigger an urge to again binge eat and then purge. Other triggers for bingeing can include stress, poor body self-image, food and boredom

Treatment

1) Medications - The antidepressant is often recommended for the treatment of bulimia. Doctors sometimes recommend other antidepressants or types of medicines.

2) Hospitalization - This doesn't happen often. But with serious cases of bulimia, you might be treated in a hospital for a short time. Most eating-disorder programs offer outpatient treatment

3) Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) - In this type of therapy, you learn normal eating habits and watch out for things that lead you to binge or purge. You challenge irrational thoughts and unhealthy behaviors as they arise

4) Family-based treatment (FBT) - Often used in children and teens with bulimia, it helps the family deal with the illness and the issues it can cause