Bulimia Nervosa is defined as recurrent episodes of intense eating, followed by recurrent episodes of purging in order to prevent weight gain, such as:
Self-induced vomiting
Misuse of laxatives
Diuretics
Enemas
Fasting
Excessive exercise
Signs and Symptoms:
- Eating large amounts of food
- Secretive eating (food missing)
- Bathroom visits after eating
- Weight fluctuations (usually with 10-15 lb range)
- Swollen glands
- Broken blood vessels
- Mood swings
- Severe self-criticism
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Complains of sore throat
- Need for approval from others
Physical And Medical Complications:
- Fatigue and lack of energy
- Irregular menstruation
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Dehydration
- Constipation and diarrhea
- Shortness of breath
- Irregular heartbeats
- Depression
- Tears of esophagus
- Hair loss
- Stomach pain and bloating
- Erosion of teeth enamel
- Chronic sore throat
- Kidney and liver damage
- Cathartic colon (caused from laxative abuse)
- Edema (swelling of hands and feet)
- Low blood pressure
- Chest pains
- Development of peptic ulcers and pancreatitis
- Gastric dilation and rupture
- Abrasions on back of hands and knuckles
- Anemia
- Cardiac arrest and death
Sources: Center For Eating Disorders, Mirror Mirror
