Alcohol Abuse Advice

Bulimia Nervosa: Something to be Nervous About!

There is no known single cause of the bulimia nervosa disorder. It is seen that low self-esteem issues and complexes about appearance, weight and body build also play a part in the development of this disorder. People who are incapable of handling emotions and/or sentiments fall prey to such types of eating disorders or ‘emotional eating’. Eating is subconsciously related to an inlet/outlet of emotions so most people purge and binge and vice versa when stressed anxious or feeling depressed.

The important causes which lead to the binge eating disorder are:

* A past history of trauma/abuse – Women with a past history of sexual abuse are more likely to develop bulimia nervosa. It has also been seen that persons with this disorder have parents who have had a history of drug/alcohol abuse or some kind of a psychological disorder.

* Low Self-esteem – Bulimia also tends to strike people who think that they are useless, unattractive or worthless. Low self esteem leading to depression is a major factor.

* Desire for the perfect body – Society seems to lay stress on the perfect body—slender and beautiful. Young women who are unable to achieve this figure often fall prey to this disorder due to irregular eating habits and a psychological pressure.

* Professions based on Appearance – Size zero figures have been so popularized by the media that most modeling or other such appearance-oriented professions demand such figures off of women who promptly become affected by various eating disorders.

* Psychological Changes – A stressed relationship, puberty, academic failures etc lead to a binge-and-purge method to act as an outlet to all the negative emotions.

Purging, in bulimia, is the most dangerous part of this disorder. It is known to cause extreme cases of dehydration. Diuretics, laxatives and vomiting cause various disruptions in the delicate balances of the body’s digestive system. It also causes a low potassium level in the body which in turn leads to anything between lethargy, erratic heart rates to even death. Kidney failure is also caused by low potassium levels. In such extreme conditions the person should get any form of binge eating disorder treatment.

Bulimia causes a strange inner battle with oneself. The person starts eating due to some emotional reason and keeps on eating till he/she feels like exploding. Then there is the panic of having eaten so many calories and the urge to maintain one’s figure kicks in leading to forced vomiting. This guilt can lead to fasting or over-exercising leading to an overt loss of control. Be advised that bulimia is purely a psychological problem and completely curable. Just get help from your nearest bulimia nervosa treatment center now.