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	#Post#: 74--------------------------------------------------
	What is Bulimia?
	By: BMHC Date: December 30, 2013, 9:14 pm
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	Information is provided by Medline Plus a service of the U.S.
	National Library of Medicine National Institute of health.
	http://medlineplus.gov/
	http://medlineplus.gov/
	URL of this page:
	http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000341.htm
	http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000341.htm
	[quote]Bulimia
	Bulimia is an illness in which a person binges on food or has
	regular episodes of overeating and feels a loss of control. The
	person then uses different methods -- such as vomiting or
	abusing laxatives -- to prevent weight gain.
	Many (but not all) people with bulimia also have anorexia
	nervosa.
	Causes
	Many more women than men have bulimia. The disorder is most
	common in adolescent girls and young women. The affected person
	is usually aware that her eating pattern is abnormal and may
	feel fear or guilt with the binge-purge episodes.
	The exact cause of bulimia is unknown. Genetic, psychological,
	trauma, family, society, or cultural factors may play a role.
	Bulimia is likely due to more than one factor.
	Symptoms
	In bulimia, eating binges may occur as often as several times a
	day for many months.
	People with bulimia often eat large amounts of high-calorie
	foods, usually in secret. People can feel a lack of control over
	their eating during these episodes.
	Binges lead to self-disgust, which causes purging to prevent
	weight gain. Purging may include:
	�
	�
	�
	Purging often brings a sense of relief.
	People with bulimia are often at a normal weight, but they may
	see themselves as being overweight. Because the person's weight
	is often normal, other people may not notice this eating
	disorder.
	Symptoms that other people can see include:
	�
	�
	of food that disappear right away
	�
	�
	(drugs that cause vomiting), or diuretics
	Exams and Tests
	A dental exam may show cavities or gum infections (such as
	gingivitis). The enamel of the teeth may be worn away or pitted
	because of too much exposure to the acid in vomit.
	A physical exam may also show:
	�
	�
	�
	�
	�
	from forcing oneself to vomit
	Blood tests may show an electrolyte imbalance (such as
	hypokalemia) or dehydration.
	Treatment
	People with bulimia rarely have to go to the hospital, unless
	they:
	�
	�
	�
	Most often, a stepped approach is used for patients with
	bulimia. The treatment approach depends on how severe the
	bulimia is, and the person's response to treatments:
	�
	conditions who do not have any health problems.
	�
	the first treatments for bulimia that does not respond to
	support groups.
	�
	inhibitors (SSRIs) are often used for bulimia. A combination of
	CBT and SSRIs is very effective if CBT does not work alone.
	Patients may drop out of programs if they have unrealistic hopes
	of being "cured" by therapy alone. Before a program begins, you
	should know that:
	�
	overcome this difficult disorder.
	�
	cause for despair.
	�
	work hard.
	Support Groups
	Self-help groups like Overeaters Anonymous may help some people
	with bulimia. The American Anorexia/Bulimia Association is a
	source of information about this disorder.
	See: Eating disorders - support group
	Outlook (Prognosis)
	Bulimia is a long-term illness. Many people will still have some
	symptoms, even with treatment.
	People with fewer medical complications of bulimia, and those
	who are willing and able to take part in therapy have a better
	chance of recovery.[/quote]
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