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Bulimia Nervosa

What is Bulimia Nervosa?

Bulimia Nervosa is an eating disorder where you will experience episodes of binge eating followed by behaviours to compensate for the excessive food intake. This might include self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives or diuretics, fasting, or excessive exercise. You may have an intense fear of gaining weight, and your self-esteem is often influenced by your body shape and weight.

Bulimia Nervosa can have serious physical, psychological, and social consequences. Physically, it can lead to electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, gastrointestinal problems, dental issues, and hormonal disturbances. Psychologically, individuals with Bulimia may experience feelings of guilt, shame, and low self-esteem. The disorder can also impact relationships and social functioning.

An estimated 120,000 adults in Australia are currently living with Bulimia Nervosa. As the most common eating disorder, nearly 3% of adults are expected to develop binge-eating disorder during their lifetime.

How is Bulimia Nervosa different to anorexia nervosa?

Bulimia Nervosa and anorexia nervosa are both eating disorders, but they have some key differences:

1. Weight and body image: In anorexia nervosa, individuals have an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image. They often restrict their food intake significantly, leading to severe weight loss and a body weight that is below the expected range for their age, height, and sex. On the other hand, individuals with Bulimia Nervosa usually maintain a relatively normal body weight or may even be overweight. They have recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviours, such as vomiting or excessive exercise, to prevent weight gain.

2. Binge eating and purging behaviours: Binge eating is where individuals consume a large amount of food in a discrete period, feeling a loss of control during these episodes. Following the binge eating, they engage in compensatory behaviours to prevent weight gain. These can include self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives or diuretics, fasting, or excessive exercise. In contrast, people with anorexia nervosa often restrict their food intake and may not engage in regular binge eating or purging behaviours.

3. Physical consequences: Anorexia Nervosa can lead to severe malnutrition, low heart rate, low blood pressure, osteoporosis, and other serious medical complications. Individuals with Bulimia Nervosa may experience electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, gastrointestinal problems, dental issues, and hormonal disturbances due to recurrent purging behaviours.

4. Body weight and perception: People with anorexia nervosa tend to perceive themselves as overweight despite being underweight, which is known as body dysmorphia. In Bulimia Nervosa, individuals may have concerns about their body weight and shape, but they are usually aware that their behaviour is abnormal.

It's important to note that both disorders can have severe physical and psychological consequences and require professional help for diagnosis and treatment. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, it is crucial to seek support from healthcare professionals experienced in treating these conditions.

What is the likely cause?

The exact cause of eating disorders like Bulimia Nervosa is not fully understood but it is considered to be a complex condition, influenced by a combination of genetic, biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors.

There is evidence to suggest that certain genetic factors may predispose individuals to eating disorders. Changes in brain chemicals like serotonin, which regulates mood and appetite, have also been observed in individuals with bulimia. Psychological factors play a significant role in the development of Bulimia Nervosa. Perfectionism, low self-esteem, body dissatisfaction, and distorted body image are common psychological traits associated with the disorder. Additionally, individuals with bulimia may have difficulty expressing their emotions, leading to a reliance on disordered eating behaviours as a coping mechanism.

Societal pressures and cultural ideals regarding beauty, thinness, and body shape can contribute to the development of Bulimia Nervosa. Media portrayal of unrealistic body standards, social comparisons, and comments about weight or appearance can influence body dissatisfaction and contribute to the development of disordered eating patterns.

Traumatic events, abuse, family dysfunction, and stressful life transitions can also contribute to the development of Bulimia Nervosa. These experiences may trigger feelings of loss of control, emotional distress, and the adoption of disordered eating behaviours as a means of coping.

What treatments are available?

Treatment for Bulimia Nervosa typically involves a combination of medical, psychological, and nutritional interventions. The primary goals of treatment are to address your physical health concerns, normalize eating patterns, improve body image, address underlying psychological factors, and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), is considered the most effective treatment for Bulimia Nervosa. CBT focuses on identifying and changing unhealthy thoughts and behaviours related to eating, body image, and self-esteem. It helps individuals develop healthier coping strategies, improve body image, and establish regular eating patterns.

Our support team can help you in your everyday life to experience a greater quality of life by ensuring you’re eating healthy, nutritious meals, attending appointments, keeping yourself and home clean and hygienic, as well as accessing the community and rebuilding interpersonal skills.