Bulimia Treatment
If you or a loved one is experiencing any difficulties with an eating disorder we at Sensatori Retreat can offer advice and information on suitable treatment options to meet your needs.
Bulimia Nervosa is characterized by a person repetitively bingeing and purging on food. During a binge a person will consume a large amount of food in a short period of time. After an episode of over eating the person may feel a loss of control, this can result in the person vomiting or using laxatives/diuretics in an attempt to prevent weight gain. A person may conceal their eating disorder for some time as generally these episodes are carried out in secret.
Predominantly adolescent girls and young women are most affected by eating disorders, however, both men and women at any age may experience difficulties.
Warning signs and symptoms of Bulimia
- Excessive exercising and fasting
- Increase/decrease in weight not associated with underlying medical condition
- Mood swings, depression, anxieties, irritability
- Use of weight management pills, diuretics, laxatives, self induced vomiting
- Unhealthy eating habits, binges, severe dieting, hiding food, secretive eating.
- Frequent use of bathroom after eating
- Broken blood vessels in the eye
- Chronic dehydration
- Gastric reflux after eating
- Enlarged glands in the neck and jaw
- Infertility
Eating disorders can stem from long standing psychological, social and interpersonal conditions. Generally a person experiencing an eating disorder is masking underlying emotions, for example, low self-esteem, anger, depression, anxiety and stress disorders. Personal relationships and work issues can also contribute to the condition. The person may initially feel they have control over their lives and emotions but over time life can become unmanageable. A person experiencing Bulimia may become socially isolated in an attempt to avoid social situations, this can also impact on family and personal relationships.
Bulimia usually stems from negative emotions, poor self-esteem and body image. Therapy is an important part of recovery from bulimia.
Initially treatment for Bulimia involves breaking the harmful cycle and restoring healthy eating behaviours. Negative thoughts and beliefs around body weight, dieting and body weight need to be introduced. Therapy will help to resolve core emotional issues, resulting in the healing process.