Bulimia is a psychological eating disorder which is also known as bulimia nervosa. The person is affected by bulimia when he or she is depressed, stressed or has some self esteem problems. The disorder has no relation with hunger but the affected person consumes larger quantities of food as compared to normal individuals. This type of food eating habit is known as binge eating.

Purging is often followed by binge eating in person affected by bulimia. Purging refers to usage of laxatives and diuretics, vomiting, fasting or too much of exercising. The cycle of being-eating and purging is an important characteristic of bulimia. This is all about forcing ones own self to control weight.


Causes:-
The exact causes of bulimia are not known but it can be influenced by the following factors

*Fear of becoming an obese
*Dissatisfaction about the physical appearance
*Stress
*Frustration
*Lack of self control

Symptoms:-
*Consuming excessive food (binge-eating)
*Controlling diet very strictly
*Following improper method for controlling weight
*Delayed menstruation cycle
*Performing forceful exercises
*Occurrence of blood in vomit
*Need of using toilet repeatedly
*Fasting frequently
*Digestion problems

Treatment:-

Bulimia can be treated to a greater extent. The treatment of a bulimic patient involves helping patient to control or stop binge-eating and purging cycle and dealing with emotional issues. This issue of treatment can be handled effectively with the help of an expert. Along with the treatments, taking patient away from stress and mental tension can help faster recovery. Some medications prescribed by the expert can also aid to the treatment of the bulimic patient.

The treatment of the bulimic patient should also be supplemented by emotional support, love and care. It is very critical to make the patient understand the importance of healthy body over reducing or increasing weight. However, people closely associated with the patient also need to posses patience and tolerance. These two qualities are essential as patient may behave indifferently because of stress. Understanding such behaviour is also important for treating a person coping with bulimia. Treating bulimia is all about changing the mindset of a bulimic patient.

Answered by ashutosh_keshari , an ibibo Advisor, at 8:37 AM on November 10, 2009