Bulimia is an eating disorder that involves a cycle of binging and purging. Binging is defined as consuming an abnormally large amount of food in a short period of time (such as 2 hours), accompanied by the feeling of not being able to control the eating. Purging involves attempting to prevent weight gain in a variety of ways such as inducing vomiting, using laxatives, excessive exercise, or food restriction. Individuals struggling with bulimia do not always appear malnourished and are often able to maintain an average weight. Bulimia is often characterized by a fear of gaining weight and self-esteem is closely tied to weight and appearance.
Bulimia Nervosa
Coping Method
Binging as purging can be used as a way to feel in control or cope with the world around you. It may get worse during periods of stress.
Concerns About Weight & Appearance
Typically, eating disorders stem from a concern about weight. As a result, you may be uncomfortable eating around others. You may also feel guilt or shame about your behaviour.
Medical Issues
Eating disorders have a number of physical and mental symptoms. Those who have experienced bulimia for longer periods of time may experience medical issues.
What Are Symptoms of Bulimia?
Looking at symptoms on the internet can be alarming. Please keep in mind that symptoms are viewed as one part of a broad picture involving many factors. These are only some of the signs that you or a loved one my suffer from bulimia.
Behavioural Symptoms
Consuming abnormally large amounts of food in a short period of time (binging)
Attempting to prevent weight gain through vomiting, laxatives, excessive exercise, or food restrictions (purging)
Binging and purging at least once a week, for a period of at least three months
Emotional Symptoms
Self-esteem is tied closely to weight and appearance
Physical Symptoms
Weight fluctuates frequently, but usually remains within a normal range
Common Treatment For Bulimia
Bulimia may be treated with outpatient therapy, residential treatment, or hospitalization depending on the severity of the disorder. Several different types of psychotherapy can be used to treat bulimia.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy teaches clients to recognize how their thoughts impact their feelings and behaviours and to help them evaluate their thoughts to ensure they are in line with the facts of a situation.
Family-Based Therapy
This type of therapy treats the parents as a resource and is present focused meaning it does not focus on determining the cause of the eating disorder. The eating disorder is viewed as an external force that is acting on the child/adolescent. This treatment is administered in three phases. In phase one, parents are fully responsible for their child or adolescents’ meals including ensuring positive eating behaviour is taking place and interrupting any behaviour related to the eating disorder such as restricting, binging, or purging. During this phase the goal is to increase the child or adolescents’ weight to healthy levels with a goal of 1 to 2 pounds of weight gain a week. Phase two begins when the child or adolescent has achieved a healthy weight, healthy eating behaviours have been established, and unhealthy behaviours have been eliminated. During this phase the child or adolescent is provided with more independence surrounding eating, for example they are allowed to eat a meal away from the family unit. In phase three any co-occurring issues are addressed.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
This type of therapy teaches clients to accept their thoughts without trying to change them. Acceptance in this case does not mean that you enjoy the experience or accept that the thoughts are accurate but simply that you let yourself experience what you are experiencing whether it is positive or negative without trying to alter that experience. It also helps clients see their thoughts as ideas/their interpretations rather than facts, be present in the moment rather than worrying about the future or the past, and behave in accordance with their values rather than in order to reduce or avoid their anxiety.
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy
Dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT) helps individuals by teaching them skills in four categories: emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness.
Therapists Who Can Help
Check out our experienced team of therapists specializing in bulimia and eating disorders and find the perfect fit for you.
Bulimia Resources
Gain access to journals, articles, reports, videos and more to provide more information about bulimia and eating disorders.
About Eating Disorders
Gain insights into eating disorders, learn how to take care of yourself and others, and learn more about treatment options.
National Eating Disorders Association Blog
Learn more about eating disorders, coping strategies, and stories from those in recovery on the NEDA blog.
