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Bulimia
is an eating disorder characterized by eating large amounts
of food or a normal size meal, and a need to eliminate what has
been consumed. Most frequently, a bulimic will "binge"
on a large amount of food and vomit to "purge" the body
of the caloric intake. Other forms of bulimia include the need to
"purge" through exercise, starving for days following
a binge, using Ipecac to induce vomiting, and the use of laxatives
and diuretics to "purge" food and water.
 A
person with bulimia can be self-indulgent and have a difficult time
delaying gratification in many areas. They can be secretive and
dishonest by lying, stealing food and money. There may be dental
damage, intestinal disorders, stomach problems, and frequently a
drug or alcohol problem. Repeated vomiting causes mood swings due
to a chemical imbalance from purging. Bulimics feel very isolated.
DIAGNOSTIC
CRITERIA OF BULIMIA NERVOSA
- Binge eating,
twice a week (average) for 3 months.
- Regret after
binges, including guilt, shame, and/or physical distress.
- Compensation
after binges by purging (vomiting, laxatives, and diuretics) exercising,
or fasting.
- Psychopathologic
disturbance exhibited by a fear of fatness and perceived distortion of the body.
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