Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is a serious, potentially life-threatening eating disorder characterized by a cycle of binge eating and compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting designed to undo or compensate for the effects of binge eating.

Three Primary Bulimia Nervosa Symptoms:

• Regular intake of large amounts of food in a discrete period of time accompanied by a sense of loss of control over eating behavior.
• Regular use of inappropriate compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, laxative or diuretic abuse, fasting, and/or obsessive or compulsive exercise.
• Extreme concern with body weight and shape.

The chance for recovery increases the earlier a binge eating disorder, such as bulimia, is detected. Therefore, it is important to be aware of some of the warning signs of bulimia nervosa.

Warning Signs of Bulimia Nervosa:

• Evidence of binge eating, including disappearance of large amounts of food in short periods of time or the existence of wrappers and containers indicating the consumption of large amounts of food.
• Evidence of purging behaviors, including frequent trips to the bathroom after meals, signs and/or smells of vomiting, presence of wrappers or packages of laxatives or diuretics.
• Excessive, rigid exercise regimen despite weather, fatigue, illness or injury.
• Unusual swelling of the cheeks or jaw area.
• Calluses on the back of the hands and knuckles from self-induced vomiting.
• Discoloration or staining of the teeth.
• Creation of lifestyle schedules or rituals to make time for binge and purge sessions.
• Withdrawal from usual friends and activities.
• In general, behaviors and attitudes indicating that weight loss, dieting and control of food are becoming primary concerns.

Information obtained from National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA). www.NationalEatingDisorders.org

Treatment Goals of Bulimia Nervosa

McCallum Place is an eating disorder treatment center specializing in treating bulimia offering a residential treatment program, partial hospital and transitional living programs. In these programs, individuals who suffer from bulimia nervosa will meet with an eating disorder specialist to receive individualized treatment designed to meet their specific needs. The primary goals at McCallum Place for bulimia are stabilization of symptoms, weight restoration and beginning to build the foundation for a strong recovery. In all we do, we strive to help individuals build the confidence and skills necessary to let go of their patterns of binge eating, purging and compulsive exercise. Our protocols are designed to help patients restore weight to within 90% of ideal body weight and to minimize relapse with binge eating, vomiting and compulsive exercise. Patients practice weight maintenance and flexible eating prior to discharge. When possible, a gradual step down is recommended to ease the transition back to independent living. We give individuals the power to manage the fears associated with new meal expectations and changes in body size. Our goal is to change the way each individual uses food and body image to express underlying emotional needs and concerns.