BULIMIA DISORDER (BINGE-EATING)
·
Bulimia,
also called bulimia nervosa, is a psychological ‘binge-eating’ disorder prevalent
both in men and women.
·
Sufferers
quickly consume huge quantities of food, usually high in calories, till they
feel they are bursting, mostly when they are alone in response to boredom,
loneliness and depression.
·
They
develop an irresistible urge, with a short-lived sense of relief after eating,
but end up feeling guilty and intensely ashamed, which makes them usually keep
it secret.
·
They
generally look perfectly normal and may not be overweight.
·
After
bingeing, the person induces vomiting or uses enemas and laxatives to eliminate
the excessive calories, for which they may even unnecessarily exercise
excessively to control their weight.
·
Bulimics
can develop many complications as a result of vomiting such as dehydration,
abnormal heart rhythms, erosion of tooth enamel and multiple cavities due to
exposure to stomach acids.
·
Most
have intense concerns about their appearance and weight.
·
Many
have low self-esteem, an intense dissatisfaction with their bodies and a fear
of becoming obese, causing depression.
·
These
disorders mainly occur in youngsters, especially those exposed to the westernized
influences of lifestyles and beauty ideals promoted by cinema, fashion gurus
and the mass media.
·
The
shame and denial attached to these disorders often make treatment difficult as
the sufferer seeks help only when things get really out of hand or when they
develop medical complications.
·
Anti-depressant
medication may help in some cases but cannot become the mainstay of treatment.
·
Psychotherapy,
focused on self-esteem and body image, is the most important part of treatment.
·
Hypnotherapy,
combined with self-hypnosis, often helps resolve these issues quicker than just
talk-therapy.
·
People
with this disorder should not diet, skip meals or label certain foods as
‘forbidden’ since these restrictions often trigger binge-eating attacks.
·
They
need to re-learn how to eat in a relaxed, natural and balanced way.