Bulimia Nervosa

Also Listed As: Eating Disorders, Bulimia

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by periods of binge eating. In some cases, the person will compensate for this overeating by forcing vomiting; misusing laxatives, diuretics, or enemas; fasting; or excessive exercising. People with bulimia cannot control their eating and have a paralyzing fear of becoming fat. Bulimia is associated with depression and other psychiatric disorders and shares symptoms with anorexia nervosa, another major eating disorder. Because many individuals with bulimia maintain a normal or above-normal body weight, they are able to keep their condition a secret for years.

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Bulimia Signs and Symptoms

Bulimia is often accompanied by the following signs and symptoms:

• Binge eating of high-carbohydrate foods, usually in secrecy
• Loss of control over eating, with guilt and shame
• Body weight that goes up and down
• Constipation, diarrhea, nausea, gas, abdominal pain
• Dehydration
• Blood-tinged vomit
• Irregular menstruation or cessation of menstrual periods
• Eroded tooth enamel
• Bad breath
• Throat irritation and inflammation
• Calluses on hands from forcing the body to vomit
• Stealing, especially food
• Depression
• Substance abuse, especially alcohol

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Bulimia Causes

There are several different theories about what is involved in the development of bulimia. Bulimia may have a hereditary component; in addition, some experts believe that a family environment with an overemphasis on achievement may be another contributing factor. The role of sexual abuse in the development of bulimia is controversial. Other psychological and environmental factors may be involved; these include mood disorders and substance abuse in families of people with bulimia. Individuals with bulimia may also experience depression, self-mutilation, substance abuse, and obsessive-compulsive behavior. Cultural pressures to appear slender contribute to the disorder, particularly among dancers and athletes.

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Reviewed: 03/2006