1. A Vicious Cycle of Control
One of the causes of bulimia is the lack of control people feel in their lives. So they purge themselves in order to feel that they have control over at least one thing. Other bulimics may feel a compulsion to binge, especially during times when they are stressed or otherwise upset, and then purge themselves as a way to regain control.
2. Pressure to Be Thin
Western society constantly trumpets the message that people must be thin to be beautiful. Some individuals, such as gymnasts, models and figure skaters, are pressured to be thin more intensely than other people. Many times, this peer pressure can lead to bulimia as they try to balance their desire to eat with their psychological need to stay thin.
3. Body Chemistry Can Be Unbalanced
Psychologists have started doing research to see if brain and body chemistry are different in bulimics than in people without bulimia. They have discovered that serotonin, a chemical found in the brain, plays a part in regulating how much food you eat during the day. As such, SSRIs can be useful in dealing with bulimia.
4. A Psychological Bulls-Eye on Your Back
Several emotional and psychological traits may be causes for contracting bulimia. Many bulimics have low self-esteem, and depression occurs more in people with bulimia than in people without it. While psychologists aren't sure whether bulimia is caused by low self-esteem and depression or vice versa, a correlation between the two exists. In addition, perfectionists are also at risk for becoming bulimic, as are people who have difficulty expressing negative emotions, such as anger.
5. Look for Hereditary Warnings
Bulimia may have a genetic component that causes the disorder. Women that have a sibling or parent who is also bulimic are at a higher risk of suffering from bulimia themselves.
