DEFINITION
TYPES
CHARACTERISTICS OF BINGE-EATING
CAUSES
EFFECTS
rTMS AND BULIMIA
SEARCH JOURNAL ARTICLES

DEFINITION

Bulimia (bulimia nervosa) is a psychological eating disorder that occurs in 10% of all women worldwide. It is characterized by episodes of binge-eating followed by inappropriate methods of weight control (purging, fasting, enemas, excessive use of laxatives and diuretics, compulsive exercising). An individual who suffers from bulimia may binge twice to several times per day. They generally feel calm immediately after their actions but later feel disgusted and ashamed.

Click here to search journal articles on Bulimia

 Back to top

TYPES

Purging Type: The individual’s compensatory behaviours include regular induced vomiting or the misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas.

Non-Purging Type: The individual’s compensatory behaviours include fasting or excessive exercise, but he/she does not regularly engage in self-induced vomiting or the misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas.

Click here to search journal articles on Bulimia

 Back to top

CHARACTERISTICS OF BINGE-EATING

• Eating an amount of food that is substantially larger than most people under similar circumstances throughout the day.
• Experiencing a lack of control while eating.
• Recurrent inappropriate compensatory behavior in order to prevent weight gain.
• The binge eating and compensatory behaviors mutually occur at least twice a week for 3 months.
• Self-evaluation is solely based on body shape and size.

Click here to search journal articles on Bulimia

 Back to top

CAUSES

Purging and other behaviours provide a sense of control for sufferers. Not only is bulimia a struggle with food, but it can act as an escape from stress and anxiety.

Biology: Studies are currently investigating various genes, hormones, and chemicals in the brain that could possibly have an effect on the development of, and recovery from, bulimia.

Culture: Some cultures have an ideal of extreme thinness. Women may define themselves solely on their external appearances.

Personal feelings: Sensing a lack of control, having “unmet needs”, suppressing anger, feeling undeserving, etc.

Stressful events or life changes: A divorce, family issues, loss of a relationship, a move, a death, etc.

Families: Parents’ opinions about appearance and diet affect their children. An individual is more likely to develop bulimia if a mother or sister suffers from it.

Click here to search journal articles on Bulimia

 Back to top

EFFECTS

Physical

• Electrolyte imbalance caused by dehydration, low blood pressure, and irregular heartbeats
• Hair can become thin and fall out, fine body hair can increase
• Skin can become dry and hands and feet can become cold and blue from poor circulation
• Kidney stones can develop, poor function of the liver
• Inflammation of the esophagus from frequent vomiting
• Muscle weakness and wasting, especially in the upper arm and leg muscles
• Tooth decay and gum problems
• Chronic irregular bowel movements and constipation from laxative abuse
• Vitamin and mineral deficiencies

Emotional

• Shame and guilt
• Depression
• Self-loathing, low self-esteem
• Strains between family and friends
• Perfectionism

Click here to search journal articles on Bulimia

 Back to top

rTMS AND BULIMIA

• For patients suffering from Bulimia, rTMS has proven effectiveness in reducing the number of purging sessions per day in a small sample of patients.
• Treatment for Bulimia consists of a minimum of 20-30 rTMS sessions administered to the left Dorso-Lateral Prefrontal Cortex two times per day for 2-3 weeks.
• Please contact MCC staff members directly to obtain further details.

Click here to search journal articles on Bulimia

 Back to top

Note: The information above does not replace personal medical advice from your doctor or a qualified health care professional. Please read our disclaimer.

© 2007 Copyright MindCare Centres. All contents of this site constitutes the property of MindCare Centres and may not be copied, reproduced or distributed without prior written permission.