People who struggle with bulimia nervosa, an eating disorder, generally lead very secretive lives as they tend to be ashamed of their body weight, lifestyle, and habits. It is important to provide a good system of support and care if you know of a family member or friend struggling with bulimia nervosa.
Living with bulimia nervosa
In today’s social media savvy world, constant images of a “perfect” and thin body type can often trigger symptoms of the disorder. It may begin with unhappy feelings about one’s body type or weight during adolescence but can soon escalate to obsessive behavior about diet and weight even in adulthood.
It is important for parents and educators to help convey the importance of healthy eating and living and a positive body image at home and at school. Small changes such as enjoying mealtimes together, encouraging an active lifestyle, and education about different body types will go a long way in preventing this disorder.
Diagnosis of bulimia nervosa
If a case of bulimia nervosa is suspected, a doctor will evaluate a person physically as well as psychologically before making a diagnosis. A person will be asked about their eating habits and physical symptoms, undergo blood and urine tests, go through an electrocardiogram to examine the heart, and take part in a psychological evaluation.
The doctor will then use the criteria for the disorder that is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) which is compiled by the American Psychiatric Association. A person may further be referred to a psychiatrist or psychologist who is an expert in treating this disorder.
Treatment of bulimia nervosa
Medication and a healthy diet are the first lines of treatment for this disorder. Fluoxetine is the only antidepressant approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help treat the disorder. A diet plan is assigned to the person and eating regular meals and a healthy diet is encouraged. Bulimia nervosa can be treated without hospitalization. However, in serious cases, patients may have to undergo treatment in the hospital to treat other accompanying conditions.
Along with physical help such as medication and nutrition programs, psychological help is essential in the treatment of this disorder. Doctors will recommend counseling sessions and psychotherapy. The three types of therapy that are provided are cognitive behavioral therapy to help a person replace negative thoughts and habits with positive ones, a family-based therapy which enables parents to intervene in their child’s eating behaviors, and interpersonal psychotherapy which helps with restoring relationships and improving communication with others.
Providing a supportive environment
A strong support system needs to be in place to help a person get better and lead a healthy lifestyle. Early detection and treatment can prevent major complications from arising and lead to successful outcomes.
Along with plenty of resources on this topic for parents and educators, the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) has a helpline for those who need help dealing with these disorders. The development of programs such as “The Body Project” by researchers at the Stanford University, the University of Texas at Austin, and the Oregon Research Institute has been used to deliver the message of a healthy body image to a million young women and men around the globe.
This disorder may not be completely preventable but many measures can be taken to keep it from getting worse. With the right support and care, many people struggling with this disorder are able to recover and lead normal and healthy lives. In some cases, relapses may occur. However, the prognosis of those with bulimia nervosa is much better than those with other eating disorders such as anorexia.
