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Who's Most At Risk for Bulimia?

People with the following conditions or characteristics are at higher risk for developing bulimia:

• White, middle-class women (primarily adolescents and college students)
• People with a family history of mood disorders and substance abuse
• Individuals with low self-esteem

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What to Expect at Your Provider's Office

Often, people with bulimia are ashamed of their condition and do not seek help for many years, by which time their behaviors are deeply ingrained and harder to change. If you are experiencing symptoms associated with bulimia, you should see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. He or she will check for physical signs such as eroded tooth enamel and enlargement of the salivary glands, as well as signs of depression, possibly including marks from self-mutilation. Laboratory tests can reveal chemical changes caused by bingeing and purging, and psychological tests may point to obsessive-compulsive or antisocial behaviors.

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Bulimia Treatment Options

Bulimia Treatment Plan

The most successful treatment is a combination of interpersonal therapy, family therapy, patient education, and medication.

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Reviewed: 03/2006