1. Initial Steps
Bulimia is a serious medical disorder with episodes occurring for years. Relapse is common and getting help as soon as the condition is detected is essential. The binge and purge cycle becomes an addiction. The more a person continues the cycle, the harder it is to stop. Above all, a person suffering with bulimia should get professional help. Attempting to overcome bulimia without professional guidance will be nearly impossible.
Depression, anxiety or a heated argument can trigger an episode and inspire a person to devour large amounts of food in an effort to control her feelings or avoid dealing with them altogether. Following a binge, a person feels ashamed and disgusted and has an overwhelming need to purge food. Eating disordered people are not in touch with their emotions and need help confronting their psychological issues.
2. Types of Treatment
There are three main components for treatment: nutritional, psychological and medical. A nutritionist assists the patient with nutritional education and development of a healthy food plan. A licensed mental health professional, who specializes in eating disorders, addresses the psychological issues and a medical doctor assesses the physical symptoms and provides medication management.
Prozac is the only antidepressant approved by the FDA to treat bulimia, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Prozac appears to reduce the urge to binge and decreases the chances for relapse. Prozac also helps reduce depressive and anxious feelings that frequently accompany bulimia.
Much research is needed to determine the best type of psychotherapy for bulimia. Currently, the mostly widely used form is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. CBT helps the patient replace unhealthy or negative cognitions with healthy, positive thought patterns, therefore, improving your emotional frame of mind. Additional forms of therapy include interpersonal therapy, family therapy, group therapy, equine therapy (patients work with horses), mindfulness and a 12-step approach.
3. Approach Someone You Suspect has Bulimia
You walk into the ladies restroom and distinctly hear a friend in the stall next to you retching. When she emerges, she mumbles something under her breath and dashes out the door. People struggling with bulimia feel tremendous shame and embarrassment about their bingeing and purging behavior. Approach your friend gently with your concerns. Denial and minimization are common responses.
Typically, bulimics go to great lengths to conceal their disorders. Most binges are done privately. Perfume, mouthwash, gum and mints are some of the items used to camouflage the purging episode. The National Eating Disorders Association site at nationaleatingdisorders.org,is an excellent resource for information and referral sources.
