Bulimia Nervosa

Hypnotherapy notes In severe cases bulimia should be treated by a full medical team ideally to include a GP, a psychiatrist and various therapists including hypnotherapists. Where lesser eating behaviours are present hypnotherapy can instill new healthy eating patterns, improve self-esteem / self-image / self-confience and can also address underlying issues if required.

Bulimia is an eating disorder characterised by repeated episodes of overeating and a preoccupation with the control of body weight. Studies have shown that up to 1 per cent of the population is suffering from bulimia nervosa at any one time, and this may well be an underestimate. Other studies show that up to 7 per cent of young women consulting their GP have the symptoms of bulimia nervosa.

What are the symptoms?

According to the World Health Organisation, the criteria for a diagnosis of bulimia nervosa include the following:

• persistent preoccupation with eating and an irresistible craving for food.
• episodes of overeating in which large amounts of food are consumed in short periods of time.
• excessive exercise, induced vomiting after eating, starving for periods of time or taking medicines such as laxatives or diuretics to counteract the bingeing.
• fear of obesity, which is also seen in people with anorexia nervosa, and there is some overlap in the symptoms of these two diseases.

What is the cause of the disease?

The cause of bulimia nervosa is unknown. Factors in the patient's social environment are important, including the cultural pressure for women in the Western world to aspire to an unnaturally slim body weight. However, most people with bulimia nervosa maintain a normal body weight. Patients with bulimia nervosa often suffer from low self-esteem.

What are the symptoms of bulimia nervosa?

Often the person feels too fat and generally dissatisfied with their physical appearance. They may decide to eat less and avoid fattening foods. The patient with bulimia nervosa becomes preoccupied with food and eating. They will have episodes of craving for food and bingeing, which may take place in secret. After bingeing, sufferers feel guilty, and may make themselves sick.

What can people with bulimia nervosa do to help themselves?

Recognise that you are suffering from bulimia nervosa and seek help from your family doctor. There are also several good self-help books available.

What is the course of the disease?

While some cases of bulimia nervosa are short-lived, usually the symptoms will be present for some months or years before a sufferer seeks help. The disease can persist for years, and in some people the symptoms may be present all their lives.

Bingeing and vomiting can cause physical problems including damage to teeth from stomach acid, and heart problems due to the body being depleted of salts.

Is Major Depressive Disorder or Dysthymia More Strongly Associated with Bulimia Nervosa?" Perez, Joiner & Lewinshon, Florida State University and Oregon Research Institute Excerpts from the International Journal of Eating Disorders, July 2004 vol. 36 no. 1 "Analyses revealed that dysthymia was a stronger correlate with bulimia than major depression [in 937 adolescents], even while controlling for other mood disorders and a history of depression and dysthymia. "The presence of dysthymia in adolescence might be possible risk factor for the development of bulimia nervosa."