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Bulimia nervosa is a serious mental health disorder that requires comprehensive bulimia nervosa treatment. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), the following symptoms are present in most diagnosed cases:
- Recurrent episodes of binge eating, characterized by eating large amounts of food in a short period and a sense of loss of control overeating behaviors
- Use of inappropriate, compensatory behaviors, such as self-induced vomiting, laxative, or diuretic abuse, fasting, and/or excessive exercise
- Binge eating and compensatory behaviors that occur at least once a week for three months
- Self-evaluation is inappropriately influenced by the person’s weight and shape
- The disturbance does not occur exclusively during episodes of anorexia nervosa
Overview of Bulimia Nervosa
Odyssey Behavioral Healthcare’s AVP of Clinical Services, Kate Fisch, LCSW, discusses bulimia and how Magnolia Creek approaches treatment.
Signs and Symptoms of Bulimia
Some common bulimia symptoms include:
- Evidence of binge eating
- Evidence of purging behaviors – frequent trips to the restroom after meals, signs and/or smells of vomiting, presence of wrappers or packages of laxatives or diuretics
- Skipping meals or eating small portions of food at regular meals
- Stealing or hoarding food
- Drinking excess amounts of water or non-caloric beverages
- Excessive, rigid exercise regimen
- Unusual swelling of the cheeks or jaw area
- Calluses or scabs on the back of the hands and knuckles
- Discoloration or staining of the teeth
- Creation of complex lifestyle schedules/rituals to allow time for binge eating and purging
- Withdrawal from friends, family, and/or activities
- Behaviors and attitudes indicating a preoccupation with the importance of weight loss, dieting, and control of food
- Binge eating and compensatory behaviors occur at least once a week for 3 months
- Self-evaluation is inappropriately influenced by the person’s weight and shape
- Extreme mood swings
Health Consequences of Bulimia
As the condition worsens, the bulimia symptoms can eventually become more severe, which is why getting bulimia nervosa treatment is vital. Complications that can arise from an extended battle with bulimia include the following:
- Electrolyte imbalances, which can lead to irregular heartbeats and possibly heart failure and death
- Inflammation and/or rupture of the esophagus
- Tooth decay and/or staining
- Chronic irregular bowel movements and constipation
- Gastric rupture
- Pancreatitis
Bulimia Nervosa Treatment
Our highly skilled and experienced clinicians at our bulimia clinic work closely with each client to create an individualized bulimia nervosa treatment plan based on their specific needs. Clients play a vital role in their bulimia nervosa treatment recovery by setting realistic treatment goals that will address the underlying issues of their disorder.
Bulimia Recovery
To ensure that each client has the best chance at bulimia recovery, the individualized treatment plans can include the following evidence-based clinical treatment modalities:
Bulimia Treatment Programs
At our treatment center, we offer several bulimia nervosa treatment options based on where each client is in their bulimia recovery. The bulimia treatment programs we offer include:
REVIEWED BY
Kate Fisch, LCSW
Kate Fisch is the AVP of Clinical Operations for Odyssey’s Eating Disorder Network. With 17 years of clinical leadership and direct client care experience in the eating disorders field, she has a history of innovation, clinical training, and resource development in a variety of eating disorder treatment settings supporting families, clients, and clinicians.
Interested in learning more about our bulimia nervosa treatment center? We’re here to help. Call us or fill out the form to get started today.
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