Bulimia


Bulimia nervosa is a disorder in which frequent episodes of binge eating are almost always followed by purging (ridding the body of food). Purging can involve vomiting, taking large doses of laxatives or diuretics, exercising compulsively, or fasting.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the bulimic uses self-destructive eating behaviors to deal with psychological problems that go much deeper than an obsession with food and weight. Huge amounts of food are consumed in an effort to reduce stress and relieve anxiety. However, binge eating is followed by guilt and depression. Purging can bring relief, but it is only temporary.





The depression, shame, and agonizing sense of isolation caused by eating disorders can disrupt families, interrupt schooling, damage careers, anddestroy relationships. Without treatment, the future is bleak; however, with psychological counseling, often in conjunction with medications such as Prozac, people can recover and live normal, productive lives.