Bulimia and Anorexia Nervosa: Causes, Symptoms, and Research

Introduction to Eating Disorders

Understanding the reasons eating disorders occur is essential for intervening in the lives of sufferers. The first step in identifying the problem is to learn more about the different types of eating disorders and their symptoms. Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions with significant physical consequences, and early recognition is critical to successful treatment.

Bulimia Nervosa: Characteristics and Symptoms

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder in which a person repeatedly overeats and then purges the food consumed. The condition is considered a psychological disorder because of the motivations behind such behavior. Induced vomiting is typically an attempt to control one's weight and food intake. Other characteristics of bulimia nervosa include fasting, using laxatives or water pills to cause the body to expel water, and exercising frequently and strenuously — all as methods of controlling weight. Individuals with bulimia are nearly always hungry and therefore eat extreme amounts of food during binge episodes. It is the body's organs starving for nutrition that drives these reactions (NIMH.gov, 2011).

The type of person susceptible to bulimia is often someone in a profession or sport that demands a specific physical appearance — such as an actor, model, dancer, gymnast, or competitive athlete like a tennis player or runner. These individuals tend to believe that their lives would improve if they weighed less.

People with bulimia also experience significant stress stemming from feelings of inferiority, failure to meet their own expectations, or low self-esteem. They are frequently overachievers who are well respected at work or school and feel they cannot disappoint others. They are often focused on pleasing others and need considerable external validation. Many people with bulimia appear outwardly normal and, when confronted, deny that anything is wrong with their eating habits.

When they do eat, the foods chosen tend to be high in fat and carbohydrates, reflecting the body's craving for energy after periods of low-nutrient intake. After consuming two to three times the normal portion of high-fat foods such as sweets, sufferers may spend long periods in the bathroom purging by induced vomiting. Some individuals cycle through binge eating and purging multiple times a day.

Bulimia victims need a great deal of support and love from friends and family. Treatments are available, but it is important that a medical practitioner become involved as early as possible. With the right therapy, sufferers can become healthy, well-rounded, and confident individuals. One of the first reactions when they are confronted may be anger or denial.

Causes and Medical Complications of Bulimia

There are no definitive single causes of bulimia, though discontent with oneself and dissatisfaction with physical appearance are central factors. Most sufferers experience depression and are obsessed with achieving what they consider the perfect size or weight. Their mood is frequently depressed, highly stressed, or marked by periods of intense anxiety.

Several serious medical conditions can develop as a result of bulimia. Repeated purging exposes tooth enamel to gastric acids, which over time causes severe tooth decay (NIMH.gov, 2011). Frequent acid exposure can also burn the throat and esophagus, leading to scarring and chronic soreness. Dehydration is common due to the use of diuretics and laxatives. Gastric acids can cause stomach ulcers, and a worn esophagus may rupture if left untreated. Continuous laxative use can impair the normal function of the bowel muscles. Heart arrhythmia — an irregularity in the heart's rhythm — is another serious risk that can lead to a heart attack (NIMH.gov, 2011). Other potential consequences include decreased sexual function and, in extreme cases, suicidal tendencies when the individual feels unable to control their urges and does not receive help.

Symptoms of bulimia include persistent dieting and the ability to maintain a very limited caloric intake over a long period; episodes of fasting; loss of control over eating; consumption of large quantities of comfort foods such as ice cream and sweets; compulsive exercising without a sense of having done enough; frequent trips to the restroom after heavy meals; excessive concern or self-consciousness about weight; frequent apparent illness or vomiting; irregular menstrual cycles in young women (NIMH.gov, 2011); and consistent purchase of laxatives or diuretic pills, along with frequent complaints of constipation or hunger.

Works Cited

Marsh, R., Steinglass, J. E., Gerber, A. J., Graziano O'Leary, K., Wang, Z., Murphy, D., Walsh, B. T., & Peterson, B. S. (2009). Deficient activity in the neural systems that mediate self-regulatory control in bulimia nervosa. Archives of General Psychiatry, 66(1), 51–63.

Le Grange, D., Crosby, R. D., Rathouz, P. J., & Leventhal, B. L. (2007). A randomized controlled comparison of family-based treatment and supportive psychotherapy for adolescent bulimia nervosa. Archives of General Psychiatry, 64(9), 1049–1056.

LeGrange, D., Lock, J., & Loeb, K. (2009). Academy for Eating Disorders position paper: The role of the family in eating disorders. Retrieved from http://www.maudsleyparents.org/images/Role_of_Family.pdf

Palazzoli, M. S. (1988). The work of Mara Selvini Palazzoli. Jason Aronson.

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). (2011). Eating disorders. Retrieved from http://www.nimh.nih.gov