Related articles: Bulimia
Definition
Bulimia nervosa is a disorder of eating behavior, characterized by the compulsive and uncontrollable ingestion of large quantities of food in a short time. This behavior is accompanied by "liberating" practices to try to neutralize the effects of the binge and not put on weight; these elimination behaviors include self-induced vomiting, laxative and diuretic abuse, fasting or strenuous exercise.
A bulimia crisis is also accompanied by the feeling of losing control over the act of eating.
Bulimic crises tend to be episodic and can be triggered by mood changes, anxiety states or stress. In some cases, they can also be scheduled in advance.
Most common symptoms and signs *
- Aggression
- Changes in the menstrual cycle
- Increased appetite
- Weight gain
- calli
- Decline in sexual desire
- Impulsive behavior
- Depression
- dysphoria
- Dehydration
- Abdominal pain
- Retired Gums
- Abdominal swelling
- Parotid enlargement
- hyperphagia
- lanugo
- Sore throat
- Mediastinitis
- Functional Meteorism
- Gastrointestinal perforation
- Inflated stomach
- Brittle nails
- Wear of teeth
Further indications
Most of the symptoms and complications of bulimia nervosa stem from compensatory behaviors. At the end of the binge, abdominal pain and negative mood conditions often occur, such as guilt and fear of gaining weight. The erosion of the tooth enamel and the abrasion of the back of the hands (caused by the repeated introduction of the fingers in the throat) are common indicators of the tendency to procure vomiting. Some subjects also show the painless enlargement of the salivary glands (especially the parotid glands) and the inflammation of the esophagus. The frequent use of elimination pipelines can also produce alterations to the electrolyte balance, dehydration and heart problems. Very rarely, the stomach breaks or the esophagus is torn, leading to life-threatening complications. Bulimics can also suffer from irregularities in menstrual cycles, decreased sexual activity and forms of depression.
Unlike patients with anorexia nervosa, subjects with bulimia nervosa generally have a normal weight; a minority is overweight or obese. Therefore, as there is no drastic weight loss, the serious nutritional deficiencies that arise with anorexia nervosa are absent.
The diagnosis of bulimia is based on the anamnesis and clinical examination. The constant obsession of keeping weight and food under control are the primary diagnostic elements of bulimia. Furthermore, to define the diagnosis, binge eating and compensatory behavior must occur at least twice a week for three months.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is the treatment of choice for bulimia nervosa. Sometimes, antidepressant drugs belonging to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) category are used.
