Bulimia Nervosa Treatment in Philadelphia: Symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa
* Repeated episodes of binging; A PERSON CONSUMES an unusually large AMOUNT OF FOOD WITHIN a RELATIVELY short period of time (Within 2 hours) most women who binge consume the food at a rapid rate but this is not a necessary criteria for diagnosis.
* The person feels out of control when consuming this food.
* BINGING occurs at least twice a week for a minimum of a 3-month period.
* The person engages in an attempt to compensate for their binge in an unhealthy manner.
* The Compensatory behavior occurs twice a week for a minimum of 3 months. Compensatory behavior include, use of diuretics, vomiting, exercising excessively, abusing laxatives, fasting, use of enemas.
* The person’s view of themselves is very influenced by their own perception of their shape and weight.
For a diagnosis of Bulimia these behaviors must not occur during an episode of Anorexia.
Bulimia includes two subtypes. They are purging type and non-purging type
* Purging type: This includes vomiting, misuse of laxatives, enemas, and diuretics
* Non-Purging TYPE: This includes the behaviors of fasting and excessive exercise but does not include vomiting, misuse of laxatives, enemas, or diuretics.
Who is the most at risk for developing Bulimia Nervosa? Bulimia most commonly strikes women in late adolescence or early adulthood. The female to male ratio is 33 to 1.
Risk factors for Bulimia Nervosa
* Parental Obesity
* Childhood obesity
* Exposure to Negative comments from family members about appearance, weight, and eating habits.
* Dieting
* Diabetes type one
* Low parental contact
* A family history of depression or anxiety
* A family system that is chaotic and has a high level of conflict
* A family history of eating disorders, or over using cocktails
* Females who begin puberty at a younger age than their peers
* A history of depression and or anxiety
* A history of low self esteem
* Being overweight
If you fit the symptoms of bulimia nervosa, or you think you might, help is available. Call a counselor at the Center for Growth / Therapy in Philadelphia. You do not have to go through this alone. 267-324-9564.
