Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Their Treatment
Anorexia nervosa, or anorexia, paired with bulimia nervosa, or simply bulimia, are both commonly known amongst the general population. Both of these are characterized by common stereotypes. When one thinks of anorexia, they often think of someone who refuses to eat. And, the common image that we think of when considering bulimia is one of a teenage girl with her finger down her throat, purging, following a meal. There are further sub-categories of anorexia and additional eating disorders, but for purposes of this paper, I will look at anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa only.
While stereotypes are easy to cling to, they are not generally accurate. While our image of an anorexic person refusing to eat may be …show more content…
While bulimia is characterized by bingeing and purging, purging is not just done through vomiting – it can also be done by taking laxatives, using enemas, taking diuretics, and even other methods. The bingeing episodes generally involve a large amount of food eaten in excess, and quite often, it is eaten while the person is alone. This is likely due to the shame, guilt, and disgust that is felt by the patient while bingeing (and then purging.)
The duration of bulimia is at least two bingeing and purging sessions per week for at least three months. Though bulimics do have an intense fear of becoming fat or obese, more of them have a “normal” or healthy body weight than those with anorexia
nervosa. If bulimia lasts long-term, it can lead to some serious health complications.
The enamel on the teeth may break down from the amount of hydrochloric acid regurgitated during purging. In addition, the hydrochloric acid can form holes in the esophagus, leading to infection and other issues.
Treatment for bulimia nervosa centers around ridding the client of
Anorexia nervosa, or anorexia, paired with bulimia nervosa, or simply bulimia, are both commonly known amongst the general population. Both of these are characterized by common stereotypes. When one thinks of anorexia, they often think of someone who refuses to eat. And, the common image that we think of when considering bulimia is one of a teenage girl with her finger down her throat, purging, following a meal. There are further sub-categories of anorexia and additional eating disorders, but for purposes of this paper, I will look at anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa only.
While stereotypes are easy to cling to, they are not generally accurate. While our image of an anorexic person refusing to eat may be …show more content…
While bulimia is characterized by bingeing and purging, purging is not just done through vomiting – it can also be done by taking laxatives, using enemas, taking diuretics, and even other methods. The bingeing episodes generally involve a large amount of food eaten in excess, and quite often, it is eaten while the person is alone. This is likely due to the shame, guilt, and disgust that is felt by the patient while bingeing (and then purging.)
The duration of bulimia is at least two bingeing and purging sessions per week for at least three months. Though bulimics do have an intense fear of becoming fat or obese, more of them have a “normal” or healthy body weight than those with anorexia
nervosa. If bulimia lasts long-term, it can lead to some serious health complications.
The enamel on the teeth may break down from the amount of hydrochloric acid regurgitated during purging. In addition, the hydrochloric acid can form holes in the esophagus, leading to infection and other issues.
Treatment for bulimia nervosa centers around ridding the client of