Bulimia is a type of a psychological disorder characterized by a person's erroneous eating patterns. It is also referred to as bulimia nervosa, which is a common problem among teens and women, although several males may develop it too. A person who is suffering from this disorder tend to eat too much during meal times but go to extreme heights to remove the same food he or she had taken. The bulimic may induce vomiting or use strong diuretics or laxatives in the process. They may suddenly decide to fast or skip meals altogether, or counter what they have eaten with too much rigorous exercise.

Signs and Symptoms

Aside from eating uncontrollably, the signs of bulimia include vomiting blood, purging, depression, mood swings, and feeling out of control. Persons who have it may also experience heartburn, bloating, indigestion, constipation, irregular periods, dental problems, sore throats, weakness, and exhaustion. Bulimic patients normally have bloodshot eyes.

Causes

Bulimia is caused by different factors but most of them are psychological in nature. It maybe caused by stress, depression, and self-esteem problems. Bulimia may also arise out of one's dissatisfaction of his or her body size. These people either have the fear of becoming fat or they can only see themselves to be fat no matter how much weight they have already lost.

Complication

Bulimia is a very dangerous concern so it has to be treated the moment it is diagnosed. Psychiatrists play a very important role in correcting the behavior and eating patterns of these individuals. The minor complications of bulimia include dental problems, soreness of the salivary glands, and decrease in libido. The major complications of this disease are stomach ulcers and ruptures, intestinal fluids, irregular bowel movement, electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, and irregular heartbeat. In more severe cases, heart attack may occur. People suffering from bulimia tend to have a suicidal nature, as they are always depressed and frustrated with the things around them.

Treatment

The treatment of bulimia is conducted by a psychiatrist specializing in the disorder. If physical changes in the body are apparent, the patient is advised to go to a medical doctor first for physical evaluation so that the necessary drugs can be given. After which, a series of consultations with a psychiatrist is in order, so that he can assess the severity of the problem and proceed to the right behavioral therapy to correct it.

Treating bulimia is a process completed gradually in a long period of time. Regardless of any kind of treatment to be administered, the cooperation of the patient is essential in the process. There should be the drive on the person for him or her to get away from it. With the medical and psychological expertise of the doctor, treating bulimia yields positive results.

When suffering from Bulimia,it is very important to consult your doctor and get the right treatment as soon as possible. The first step is to recognize that you have a problem, talk to your friends and family and ask them to assist you and come with you to the family doctor.