Introduction
the frequent compulsion to eat large quantities of food in a short period of time followed by purging, self-induced vomiting and/or use of large doses of laxatives and diuretics.
Signs & Symptoms
Subjective & Objective
• low self esteem
• worthlessness
• inadequacy
• guilt
• shame and embarrassment
• out of control and an excessive need to control
• anxiety
• unsatisfactory interpersonal relationships
• impulsive and preoccupied with food, weight, and dieting
• weak and lethargic
• normal or slightly above average weight
• hoarseness and esophegitis
• dental enamel erosion
• enlarged parotid glands
• abrasions or calluses on knuckles
• amenorrhea (40% of cases)
• fluid volume deficit
Causes
Although there is no known etiology, several theories and possible suggestions contribute to a greater understanding of the development of Bulimia Nervosa.
• Psychoanalytic Theory suggests that compulsive overeating represents overcompensation for unmet oral needs during infancy, or people eat to compensate for emptiness in their lives.
• Cognitive/Behavioral Theories suggest that eating disorders are learned behaviors based on irrational thoughts and beliefs.
• Socio-Cultural Theory suggests that culture is responsible; that eating behaviors are learned in the family and reflect its ethnic background. Culture also affects perceptions of beauty, which include cultural norms regarding body size and shape.
Other possible causes include:
• victimization or trauma
• sexual assault
• negative comments about weight, shape, and eating at an early age from parents and/or siblings
• emotional abuse
• exposure to mass media
Risk Factors
• Women account for 90% of all cases, particularly young adolescence or young adulthood.
• More prevalent in Causasion groups, but is becoming a rising problem in the African American and Hispanic communities.
• Usually middle-class females with a history of weight control problems such as perpetual dieting.
• Females who have been physically, sexually, or emotionally abused.
• Negative comments about weight or body shape at an early age.
• Stressful transitions in life (e.g. going off to college, moving, or a relationship breakup).
• Athletes, particularly: dancers, gymnasts, cheerleaders, runners, and wrestlers.
• Actors, television personalities, models, and flight attendants.
• Media exposure, such as television or fashion magazines which feature images of skinny beautiful people.
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Subjective & Objective |
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• low self esteem • worthlessness • inadequacy • guilt • shame and embarrassment • out of control and an excessive need to control • anxiety • unsatisfactory interpersonal relationships • impulsive and preoccupied with food, weight, and dieting • weak and lethargic |
• normal or slightly above average weight • hoarseness and esophegitis • dental enamel erosion • enlarged parotid glands • abrasions or calluses on knuckles • amenorrhea (40% of cases) • fluid volume deficit |
|
Although there is no known etiology, several theories and possible suggestions contribute to a greater understanding of the development of Bulimia Nervosa. |
|
|
• Psychoanalytic Theory suggests that compulsive overeating represents overcompensation for unmet oral needs during infancy, or people eat to compensate for emptiness in their lives. • Cognitive/Behavioral Theories suggest that eating disorders are learned behaviors based on irrational thoughts and beliefs. • Socio-Cultural Theory suggests that culture is responsible; that eating behaviors are learned in the family and reflect its ethnic background. Culture also affects perceptions of beauty, which include cultural norms regarding body size and shape. |
Other possible causes include: • victimization or trauma • sexual assault • negative comments about weight, shape, and eating at an early age from parents and/or siblings • emotional abuse • exposure to mass media |
Additional Resources:
National Eating Disorder Information Centrehttp://www.nedic.ca/index.shtml
National Eating Disorders Association
http://www.edap.org/p.asp?WebPage_ID=294
The Center for Eating Disorders at Sheppard Pratt
http://www.eatingdisorder.org/
The Federal Government Source for Women's Health Information
http://www.4woman.gov/faq/Easyread/bulnervosa-etr.htm
Women's Health Zone
http://www.womenshealthzone.net/eating-disorders/bulimia-nervosa/effects/