Bulimia nervosa (bulimia) is a mental disorder that results in uncontrolled episodes of overeating and subsequent purging by provoking vomiting or the use of laxatives.
Most often, the first symptoms appear during adolescence.
Causes of voracity
People with bulimia often feel lonely, incomprehensible and eating is their only source of pleasure.
After some time, reaching for food becomes a habit when the mood decreases and the sick person loses control.
Bulimia often coincides with depression, emotional lability and reduced self-esteem. It can also be a symptom indicating the occurrence of family problems.
Signs of voracity:
- binge episodes occurring at least twice a week for a period of 3 months;
- the occurrence of compulsion to eat and consume such an amount that would not be possible for a healthy person to consume;
- after eating binge, using laxative techniques such as provoking vomiting, taking laxatives and diuretics, provoking faecal excretion, starving, physical exercise;
- perception of yourself as an obese person, fear of gaining weight.
Bulimia treatment
In the case of bulimia, therapy is necessary.
The most commonly used types of therapy are cognitive - behavioral, psychodynamic and systemic (covering the whole family). Sometimes antidepressant medication is needed.
