RISK FACTORS and COMPLICATIONS Factors playing a role in Bulimia are stated to be those as follows:

cultural pressures;

family, as bulimia tends to run in families;

life changes or stressful events;

The individual's psychological makeup;

Biological aspects such as genes, hormones, and brain chemicals. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2007)

IV. EFFECTS

Individuals with bulimia often have "swollen cheeks or jaw area" as well as rough skin on their knuckles and teeth that appear clear. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2007) it is also noted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that individuals with Bulimia often have broken blood vessels in their eyes. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2007)

The effects of Bulimia Nervosa on the individual's body are shown in the following illustration labeled Figure 1 as shown in the following illustration are many negative affects on the body of the individual with Bulimia Nervosa including anemia, irregular heart beat, fatigue as well as a plethora of other negative effects.

Effects of Bulimia Nervosa

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2007)

V. TREATMENT

Treatment for Bulimia Nervosa may include inpatient and outpatient care, daycare, and continued care along with a family program for support. Bulimia treatment is a structured treatment plan and involves a combination of sessions with a range of interdisciplinary staff. Findings in a recent study published in the ScienceDaily publication January 7, 2009, states that women who have bulimia nervosa "appear to respond more...

"We speculate that this inability to engage frontostriatal systems also contributes to their inability to regulate binge-type eating and other impulsive behaviors." (ScienceDaily, 2009)
SUMMARY & CONCLUSION

Bulimia Nervosa is a serious condition that requires professional treatment. It is likely that the findings reported in the ScienceDaily (2009) will serve to assist in the development of treatment for bulimia nervosa that is more effective than the treatments previously in use in treating this condition.

Bibliography

Bulimia Nervosa (2009) National Institute of Mental Health. 1 Jan 2009. Online available at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/eating-disorders/bulimia-nervosa.shtml

Bulimia Nervosa (2007) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health. July 2007.

Brain Circuit Abnormalities May Underlie Bulimia Nervosa in Women (2009) ScienceDaily - Science News 7 Jan 2009. Online available at http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090105175031.htm

Bulimia Nervosa