Understanding The Conditions That Co Exist with Bulimia Nervosa |
To truly treat any mental disorder, one must take into account the multitude of co-morbid conditions that may also be involved or related. No single affliction stands on its own; there are a lot of other contributing factors involved. For example, with diabetes, there is the overall disease itself but adding to the problem of diabetes are other things like peripheral neuropathy (a loss of blood flow to the feet), as well as other physical and mental disorders.
Eating disorders like Bulimia Nervosa rarely present without co-morbid physical and emotional conditions. When co-morbid conditions do exist, they too must be treated along with the patient's bulimia, the primary diagnosis. Successful treatment of Bulimia Nervosa depends upon the simultaneous treatment of co-morbid disorders. It's really not important to debate whether bulimia caused the co-morbid disorders, or vice-versa since both conditions must be treated for recovery to be successful.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association, Version Four, Text Revised (DSM-IV-TR) describes the following physical and emotional disorders that are often co-morbid with Bulimia Nervosa: Most bulimics are not medically obese, but are of a normal weight or perhaps underweight. Through purging their food through self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, and the abuse of laxatives, diuretics and enemas, they avoid weight gain.
Symptoms of depression and/or anxiety are frequently co-morbid with bulimia. Patients exhibit anhedonia (loss of pleasurable feelings), insomnia, inability to focus and concentrate, and thoughts of suicide - all symptoms of depression. Patients may also exhibit deep feelings of anxiety and fear in social situations, feelings of overwhelming stress, and very poor self-esteem - all symptoms of anxiety.
Substance abuse is often co-morbid with bulimia, abuse of stimulant drugs in particular. Abuse of amphetamine drugs allow the bulimic to exercise rapidly and help control appetite. Frequent binging and purging results in fluid and electrolyte abnormalities a potentially fatal condition if not immediately treated with IV fluids. A major complication of self-induced vomiting is the depletion of tooth enamel, resulting in serious dental problems. This is caused by the stomach acids wearing away tooth enamel. A bulimic's salivary glands may be enlarged, causing dental scaring. Many bulimics require extensive dental procedures, including dentures.
Where female bulimics are concerned, the menstrual cycle can be disrupted and irregularities are common. When malnutrition sets in, the body begins to shut down and menstrual periods may cease completely.
For untreated sufferers of Bulimia Nervosa, lifespan can be decreased by at least ten years. Sooner or later, malnutrition, suicide or other complications of the illness overtake the untreated bulimic. Death is unavoidable, an imminent unless the individual manages to find treatment.
Here are some highly recommended solutions for eating disorders
Quick Tip #1
Its important to learn to identify the different Anorexia Nervosa Symptoms, so it can be prevented |
Quick Tip #2
If she vomits constantly after eating or not eating at all, those are clear signs of Anorexia |
Quick Tip #3
Anorexia is an eating disorder that requires not just medications but psychiatric help |
|
|