What is it?

Bulimia Nervosa is the name of an eating disorder where a person binge eats and then uses means like self-induced vomiting, too much exercise, fasting, water pills, or laxatives to avoid gaining weight.

What causes it?

While the exact cause is unknown, many individuals suffering from Bulimia Nervosa have internalized the “thin ideal” from a host of other factors that may include media, athletics (e.g. ballet, running, etc.), or a prior experience with a loved one and/or another significant person in which their weight and/or size was questioned. Further study is under way.

How do you know when someone has it?

An individual that suffers from Bulimia will have some of the following symptoms:

• Frequent binges (eating lots of food in a short period of time)
• Lack of control over eating
• Self-induced vomiting
• Pathological use of dieting, fasting or exercise in order to prevent weight gain
• Judging oneself primarily by the shape and/or weight of the body

Additional symptoms may include the following:

• Dramatic reduction of food or liquids
• Use of water pills or laxatives
• Abuse of Ipecac or enemas (purging)
• Appetite loss
• Gaining or losing 10 or more pounds
• Menstrual problems
• Severe tooth decay
• Loss of hair
• Regular sore throats

What can happen to people with Bulimia?

The teenage years are the most common starting point for Bulimia, although it can begin later in life. Most individuals who suffer from Bulimia (90%) are female. The severity of the illness can either fluctuate between periods of getting worse and getting better or it can remain constant. Typical binge-eating episodes alternate with periods of regular eating and, perhaps, fasting. In more extreme cases, bingeing and fasting can alternate with no periods of relatively normal eating.

How do you help a loved one suffering from Bulimia?

The types of treatment for Bulimia vary widely. They generally include psychotherapy done individually, with a group, and/or with the family. Education about nutrition is often provided. Medications can be an important part of treatment. Depending on the individual’s condition, their eating and their environment may need to be controlled for them. In extreme cases, hospitalization is required and eating and elimination patterns are carefully monitored. As the patient is then stabilized, control of what they eat and their environment is gradually returned to them. Regardless of the individual’s condition, structure, long-term psychotherapy, and a good behavioral treatment plan are essential to success.

How CERTS helps those with Bulimia

CERTS therapists have experience in successfully treating individuals with eating disorders like Bulimia. This success results from the CERTS formula of balancing outstanding clinical therapy, experiential therapy, and education, both nutritional and academic, while providing appropriate medical care.

Adolescents receive regular therapy from therapists with experience in working with eating disorders. Experiential therapy programs (such as equine therapy) offered at the facilities have also proven helpful. A fun and challenging academic education enhances self-esteem and encourages students to rediscover the joy of learning while they clinically stabilize. To learn more about which CERTS program can best offer the help you may require, please contact a CERTS admissions counselor at 801-755-8802.

Learn More About Bulimia

Kid’s Health
National Eating Disorders Association
New York Presbyterian Hospital