Bulimia, formally known as bulimia nervosa, is a potentially fatal eating disorder. Bulimia is characterized by patterns of binging, and attempts at eliminating calories, whether through purging or over-exercising. This chronic pattern can cause significant damage to the stomach, throat, esophagus and digestive process. Bulimia sufferers engage in these behaviors in attempts to control their weight. Their need to control their weight is driven by negative thoughts and a poor body image. Success in the treatment of bulimia is based on a combination of treatment methods to address the disorder from multiple perspectives.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is an essential part of an overall treatment plan for bulimia. Psychotherapy directly addresses body image or self-concept issues in a non-threatening way. Cognitive behavioral therapy, commonly referred to as CBT, is a form of psychotherapy used to treat bulimia. CBT is based on the premise that thoughts determine behavior. For bulimia patients, CBT is used to identify unhealthy, negative beliefs about food or eating, and replace them with healthy thoughts and behaviors to support adequate nutrition. After the patient becomes comfortable with the therapeutic process, the clinician or therapist may choose to integrate family therapy into the treatment plan to increase support for the patient.
Support Groups
In addition to psychotherapy, many bulimia patients participate in group therapy to receive additional support. These support groups are often beneficial because patients can receive and give support to other bulimia patients who share their challenges and difficulties with managing the disorder.
Medications
Antidepressants are commonly prescribed to treat bulimia. Antidepressants treat depressive thoughts that may be driving bulimic behavior. Fluoxetine is the only drug approved by the Federal Drug Administration, states the Mayo Clinic. Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that helps the body to absorb additional amounts of serotonin and improve a patient's mood. Prozac is a brand name form of fluoxetine.
Weight Restoration and Nutrition Education
Once a patient has confronted and adjusted their thoughts about her body, and has begun to exhibit healthier behaviors, it is important to incorporate weight restoration and nutrition education techniques. The primary goal of weight restoration and nutrition education is to reach and maintain a healthy weight. This includes assessing thoughts about food, educating patients about how food affects the body and teaching them ways to ensure they get adequate nutrition while maintaining a healthy weight.
