Post by Mel on Dec 23, 2005 10:52:59 GMT -5
Causes
Bulimia is often less about food, and more to do with deep psychological issues and profound feelings of lack of control. Binge/purge episodes can be severe, sometimes involving rapid and out of control feeding that can stop when the sufferers "are interrupted by another person . . . or [when] their stomach hurts from over-extension . . . This cycle may be repeated several times a week or, in serious cases, several times a day." Sufferers can often "use the destructive eating pattern to gain control over their lives".
Patterns of bulimic cycles
The frequency of bulimic cycles will vary from person to person. Some will suffer from an episode every few months while others who are more severely ill may binge and purge several times a day. Some people may vomit automatically after they have eaten any food. Others will eat socially but may be bulimic in private. Some people do not regard their illness as a problem, while others despise and fear the vicious and uncontrollable cycle they are in.
Consequences of bulimia nervosa
Electrolyte imbalance, heart arrhythmia, heart failure
Teeth erosion and cavities
Sialadenosis (salivary gland swelling)
Potential for gastric rupture during periods of bingeing
Irritation, inflammation, and possible rupture of the esophagus
Laxative dependence
Peptic ulcers and pancreatitis
Emetic toxicity due to ipecac abuse
Potentially death
Mortality risk
Eating disorders have one of the highest death rates of all mental illnesses. The Eating Disorders Association (UK) estimates a 10% mortality rate.[7] An 18% mortality rate has been suggested for Anorexia Nervosa. In addition to the risk of suicide, “death can occur after severe bingeing in bulimia nervosa as well”. For perspective, these death rates are higher than those of some forms of cancer
Bulimia is often less about food, and more to do with deep psychological issues and profound feelings of lack of control. Binge/purge episodes can be severe, sometimes involving rapid and out of control feeding that can stop when the sufferers "are interrupted by another person . . . or [when] their stomach hurts from over-extension . . . This cycle may be repeated several times a week or, in serious cases, several times a day." Sufferers can often "use the destructive eating pattern to gain control over their lives".
Patterns of bulimic cycles
The frequency of bulimic cycles will vary from person to person. Some will suffer from an episode every few months while others who are more severely ill may binge and purge several times a day. Some people may vomit automatically after they have eaten any food. Others will eat socially but may be bulimic in private. Some people do not regard their illness as a problem, while others despise and fear the vicious and uncontrollable cycle they are in.
Consequences of bulimia nervosa
Electrolyte imbalance, heart arrhythmia, heart failure
Teeth erosion and cavities
Sialadenosis (salivary gland swelling)
Potential for gastric rupture during periods of bingeing
Irritation, inflammation, and possible rupture of the esophagus
Laxative dependence
Peptic ulcers and pancreatitis
Emetic toxicity due to ipecac abuse
Potentially death
Mortality risk
Eating disorders have one of the highest death rates of all mental illnesses. The Eating Disorders Association (UK) estimates a 10% mortality rate.[7] An 18% mortality rate has been suggested for Anorexia Nervosa. In addition to the risk of suicide, “death can occur after severe bingeing in bulimia nervosa as well”. For perspective, these death rates are higher than those of some forms of cancer