Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia Nervosa refers to an eating disorder characterized by periods of fasting followed by binging.  Binges will almost always be followed by feelings of gilt and shame leading to purging.

Purging can refer to other extreme compensatory behaviours to avoid weight gain, such as excessive exercise or consumption of laxatives.  During the binge/purge cycle you might feel very emotional and highly distressed.  This can be triggered by difficulty coping /dealing with emotional situations.  Unlike Anorexia, weight is not always an indicator of Bulimia as weight is usually within normal ranges.

Symptoms

  • Sore throat, swollen salivary glands, tooth decay/bad breath caused by excessive vomiting
  • Poor skin condition and possible hair loss
  • Lethargy and tiredness
  • Obsession with food, feeling ‘out of control’ around food
  • Distorted perception of body weight and shape
  • Emotional behaviour and mood swings
  • Feeling helpless and lonely
  • Disappearing to the toilet after meals in order to vomit food eaten
  • Excessive exercising
  • Secrecy and reluctance to socialize
  • Hoarding food
  • Stashing of laxatives, diuretics or other weight control tablets