1. Eating Disorder Statistics
Bulimia is characterized when a person eats a substantial amount of food in a relatively short period that is followed by purging. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, over 10 million American women and teens are struggling with eating disorders. Bulimic occurrences have tripled in women between the ages of 10 to 39 in five years. According to an article published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders only 6% of people with bulimia and only 33% of people with anorexia receive mental health treatment.
Many eating disorder professionals suspect that a percentage of eating disorders are not reported due to the guilt and shame associated with the disorder. Therefore, education, advocacy and public awareness are crucial steps in helping women get the help they need to overcome the disease. Eating disorders appear to effect women globally. However, research indicates they are mainly concentrated in industrialized nations.
2. Confronting Someone You Suspect has Bulimia
Secrecy accompanied by guilt, shame and self-loathing are common characteristics of the bulimic. Parents are often surprised when they discover their daughter has bulimia. Your daughter might inform you that she has purged her food only a few times. That is unlikely, unless you caught the disorder in the early stages. Parents are baffled when a child cannot stop her eating disordered behaviors. Understand that if she could stop, she would and that admonishing her to stop won't help the situation. In fact, it could exacerbate the condition.
Your daughter urgently needs your unconditional love and support. Her eating disorder is a cry for help that her life is spiraling out of control. She is trying to manage her fears and emotions through behaviors.
When confronting anyone with your suspicions, be gentle and empathetic, and remember that the person is likely feeling vulnerable and embarrassed. Persistence is necessary, as minimization is common. It is critical to get an accurate depiction of the frequency and duration of the illness.
3. Treatment Options
Even though, people with eating disorders think they can stop the cycle, it is unlikely unless they receive professional help. Due to the addictive nature of the disorder, recovery without professional assistance is difficult. Unlike refraining from drugs or alcohol, a person cannot stop eating entirely.
Ideally, the treatment team should consist of three professional domains that specialize in eating disorders -- a nutritionist, a licensed mental health professional and a doctor, preferably a psychiatrist. If the case is severe, inpatient hospitalization might be necessary. However, in most cases, outpatient therapy will suffice. An excellent resource is the National Eating Disorders Association. Visit the website at: nationaleatingdisorders.org. NEDA provides referrals located by geographical location.
