Due to the constant cycle of binging and then purging the digestive systems of bulimics often get damaged severely (National Eating Disorders Association, 2005). Bulimics generally suffer from physical problems such as low potassium and other electrolytes, heart beat irregularities, heart and kidney problems, sore throat, constipation, hypoglycaemia, gastric, oesophagul and eye blood vessel ruptures in addition to fatigue, menstrual problems and yellowing of teeth (ThinkQuest, 2009). Peptic ulcers and pancreatis are other problems that bulimics are associated with (National Eating Disorders Association, 2005).
Also cheeks are swollen are generally termed as chipmunk cheeks. This happens due to the enlargement of salivary glands due to constant vomiting (New, 2007, p. 5). Behavioural Problems: As with anorexics bulimic people are depressed and have frequent mood swings. They are constantly worried about their weight and often demonstrate laxative, emetic and diuretics abuse (ThinkQuest, 2009). Bulimics are ashamed of their behaviour and their inability to control themselves (Herrin &Matsumoto, 2007, p. 37) Diagnosis of Bulimia:
Similar to anorexia in the United States Bulimia is diagnosed based on the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR). ICD-10 is used in European Countries. The following are the diagnostic criteria for confirming a person has Bulimia. ? Eating a large amount of food without a sense of control over the amount of food. ? Frequent purging and actions to compensate for the binging. These actions should have occurred twice weekly and for 3 consecutive months. ? Obsession with body weight and shape. ? These disorders should occur independent of anorexic episodes (DISORDEREDEATING, 2008).
Over 40% of anorexics engage in binge eating however, bulimics never develop anorexia. Bulimics understand that they have a problem while anorexics don’t do so (Faulkner, 2007, p. 65). It has been understood that over 1-2% of young women in the UK suffer from Bulimia while the percentage ranges between 1. 1- 4. 2% in the USA. Bulimia Treatment: As in the case of anorexia treatment sometimes hospitalization may be necessary. The person is then subjected to various types of therapies such as interpersonal therapy, self-help programme, family and group therapy depending on individual requirements.
Anti depressants are also administered. However, this should not be considered as a long term solution for the disorder (DISORDERED EATING, 2008). Conclusion: Eating disorders have now become very common amongst people across the world. Extreme eating behaviours are generally considered as an eating disorder. There are different types of eating disorders and is considered to be the most potential cause of mortality amongst people suffering from mental disorders. Eating disorders are often caused by a variety of factors ranging from physical, psychological, social and cultural ones.
Anorexia is a type of eating disorder where a person has a distorted view about their body structure and resort to limiting the amount of food intake. Some may even exhibit bulimic characteristics of binging on food and purging it out. Anorexics face severe physical problems and exhibit specific behavioural patterns which can be considered as signs of the eating disorder. Bulimics are often people who consume huge quantities of food and then either purge or fast and engage in excessive exercise to compensate or undo the calories that they have consumed.
Both the disorders are diagnosed based on the criteria set by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) in the United States. Treatment often is a combination of physical and psychological therapies tailored to suit individual needs. However, as the saying goes prevention is better than cure and is always better for individuals not to fall into the vicious trap of eating disorders.
References
Center for Young women’s Health (2008). Eating Disorders. Retrieved April 23, 2009 from http://www. youngwomenshealth. org/eating_disorders. html DISORDEREDEATING (2008). Types Eating Disorders. Retrieved April 23, 2009 from http://www. disordered-eating. co. uk/types-of-eating-disorders/types-of-eating-disorders. html DISORDEREDEATING (2008). Signs of Eating Disorders. Retrieved April 23, 2009 from http://www. disordered-eating. co. uk/signs-of-eating-disorders/signs-of-eating-disorders. html DISORDEREDEATING (2008). Anorexia Treatment. Retrieved April 23, 2009 from http://www. disordered-eating. co. uk/eating-disorders-treatments/anorexia-nervosa-treatment. html