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cont. from
Bulimia and Drug Therapies
Your provider may prescribe the following medications:
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Bulimia Complementary and Alternative Therapies
Psychotherapy is a cornerstone of bulimia treatment. Using biofeedback may
also help you to better manage stress. Other mind-body and stress-reduction
techniques, such as yoga, tai chi, and
meditation, may help you become more
aware of your body and form a more positive body image. A 6-week clinical trial
showed that guided imagery helped people with bulimia reduce bingeing and
vomiting, feel more able to comfort themselves, and improve their feelings about
their bodies and eating. More studies are needed to verify these findings and to
determine if guided imagery has long-term benefits.
Bulimia and Nutrition
Nutrition therapy is as important as psychotherapy in treating bulimia. The
goals of nutrition therapy are to stabilize your blood sugar levels, to make
sure you are getting enough nutrients, and to restore your gastrointestinal
health. In one study, 55 women with bulimia were assigned at random to either a
nutritional management treatment group or a stress management treatment group.
Nutritional management included information on the effects of bulimia,
techniques to avoid binge eating, and advice about making meals and eating.
Women in this group also had their eating diaries analyzed. Stress management
included analysis of stressful situations; short-term stress management
strategies, such as relaxation, self-encouragement, and self-distraction; and
training in planning, problem solving, and communication. Women in the
nutritional management group reduced their binge eating faster and were better
able to avoid bingeing over the next year.
Some people with eating disorders are deficient in zinc. Variations in levels
of zinc can affect taste, smell, appetite, and response to stress.
Zinc
deficiency may play a role in eating disorders and altered self-image. Taking
zinc supplements may help with your treatment. In a recent study of 47 women
with bulimia, zinc supplements seemed to reduce their obsession with weight and
concern with body image. Your healthcare provider may also recommend a
multivitamin with minerals to maintain levels of other important nutrients.
B-complex vitamins may reduce stress and depression.
If you have trouble recognizing feelings of hunger, your provider may
recommend eating small meals every 3 hours.
Bulimia and Herbs
While no scientific literature supports the use of herbs for bulimia, a
trained naturopath or herbalist may recommend one or more of the following to
alleviate stress, restore normal digestion and decrease anxiety:
Additional herbs may be considered to treat particular symptoms such as
St.
John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) for depression. St. John's wort must not be
used with other antidepressants or with several other medications; see monograph
entitled St. John's wort and check with your doctor for details. Taking any of
the herbs mentioned for this condition should be done under the direction of an
appropriately trained and certified specialist who will guide your individual
care accordingly.
Bulimia and Homeopathy
No scientific literature supports the use of
homeopathy for bulimia. However,
an experienced homeopath will consider your individual case and may recommend
treatments to address both your underlying condition and any current symptoms.
Bulimia and Acupuncture
No scientific literature supports the use of
acupuncture for bulimia.
However, a trained acupuncturist may be able to recommend acupuncture treatments
to support your overall treatment.
Bulimia and Massage
Therapeutic massage can be an effective part of a bulimia treatment plan. In
one study, adolescent women with bulimia were assigned at random either to
receive massage therapy for 5 weeks or to be in a control group (not receiving
massage therapy). The 24 women receiving massage improved immediately, while the
control group did not improve. Women in the massage group were less anxious and
depressed right after their initial massages. They also had better scores on the
Eating Disorder Inventory, which helps providers assess psychological and
behavioral traits in eating disorders.
continue: Prognosis, Complications of Bulimia .
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Reviewed: 03/2006
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