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Bulimia   

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Bulimia nervosa; Binge-purge behavior; Eating disorders

Treatment

Treatment focuses on breaking the binge-purge cycles of behavior since the person is usually aware that the behavior is abnormal. Outpatient treatment may include behavior modification techniques and individual, group, or family counseling.

Antidepressant drugs may be indicated for some whether or not they have coincident depression.

Participation in self-help groups such as Overeaters Anonymous may be of benefit. American Anorexia/Bulimia Association is a source of information about this disorder. See eating disorders - support group.

Prognosis

With treatment up to one half of those affected continue to experience behavior and psychiatric problems. Death due to bulimia is very rare.

Complications

• pancreatitis
• dental cavities
• inflammation of the throat
• electrolyte abnormalities
• dehydration
• constipation
• hemorrhoids
• esophageal tears/rupture

Call Your Health Care Provider If:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you (or your child) are exhibiting behaviors of any eating disorder, including bulimia.

Ency. home > Disease > B > Bulimia

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