What Is Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is a type of eating disorder which can be characterized by eating recurrently and frequently large amounts of food (binge-eating), and a subsequent feeling of lack of control over the eating. For the case of Bulimia Nervosa, binge-eating is followed by a attempt to compensate for the binge, such as purging (i.e. vomiting, excessive use of laxatives or diuretics) ,fasting or excessive exercise. Like people with anorexia, they often fear gaining weight and want desperately to lose weight, and are unsatisfied with the size and shape of their body. Usually, bulimic behavior is done secretly, because it is frequently attendant with the feelings of disgust or shame. The binging and purging cycle generally repeats several times a week. Like people with anorexia, people with bulimia often have concurrent psychological illnesses like depression and anxiety. The purging aspect of the illness generally results in electrolyte imbalances, gastrointestinal problems, and oral and tooth-related problems. Some of the other symptoms may be feeling of chronical inflamation and sore in throat , swollen glands in the neck and below the jaw , intestinal disruption and irritation, severe dehydration from purging of fluids and so forth.

Eating Disorder Self Test. Take the EAT-26 self test to see if you might have eating disorder symptoms that might require professional evaluation. All answers are confidential.

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