Bulimia nervosa, commonly known as bulimia, is an eating disorder and psychological condition in which the subject engages in recurrent binge eating followed by feelings of guilt, depression, and self-condemnation and intentional purging to compensate for the excessive eating, usually to prevent weight gain. Sufferers can often "use the destructive eating pattern to gain control over their lives. It begins with dissatisfaction of the person's body and extreme concern with body size and shape. Usually individuals suffering from bulimia have low self-esteem, feelings of helplessness and a fear of becoming fat It is believed that more than five million individuals experience an eating disorder (bulimia nervosa or anorexia nervosa) in this country alone. It is ten times more common in women than men, with greatest prevalence occurring in adolescents and college-age young adults. This indicates a need for concern and preventive measures on college campuses across the country, especially for female students. Treatment is generally done using includes medical providers, mental health professionals and dietitians, all with experience in eating disorders. Medications. Antidepressant medications may help some people with bulimia. Treat bulimia is fluoxetine (Prozac), a type of antidepressant.

Causes of Bulimia Nervosa

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.

Signs and Symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa

People with bulimia:

* Binge on a regular basis. They eat large amounts of food in a short period of time, often over a couple of hours or less.

* Purge to get rid of the food and avoid weight gain. They may make themselves vomit, exercise very hard or for a long time, or misuse laxatives, enemas, water pills (diuretics), or other medicines.

* Base how they feel about themselves on how much they weigh and how they look.

Treatment for Bulimia Nervosa

Treatment is aimed at the bulimia nervosa and any associated problems such as low self-esteem or depression.

Anti-psychotics are also used, but in smaller doses than are used for treating schizophrenia . With an eating disorder, the patient perceives reality differently and has difficulty grasping what it is like to eat normally.

Antidepressant medications may help some people with bulimia. Treat bulimia is fluoxetine (Prozac), a type of antidepressant.

Psychotherapy is a cornerstone of bulimia treatment. Using biofeedback may also help you to better manage stress.

Group therapy is especially effective for college-aged and young adult women because of the understanding of the group members. In group therapy they can talk with peers who have similar experiences.

With proper treatment, most people with bulimia recover. For some, though, the condition becomes a lifelong battle. Periods of bingeing and purging may come and go through the years, depending on life circumstances. In times of high stress, for instance, you may find yourself returning to familiar.

Self-help measures

There are a number of self-help books and manuals available. These provide strategies in how to cope with, and overcome, bulimia. Some people find these very helpful and prefer them to 'formal' treatment.