Treatment Issues for
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia will not just go away. People with bulimia are often ashamed of their illness and conduct their "binging and purging" in secret. Because of that, they may successfully hide their illness for years. Many do not seek treatment until they are in their 30s and 40s.
Immediate intervention is the key. Research shows that the longer bulimia goes on, the more ingrained the behavior becomes, and the more difficult it is to change. With treatment, bulimia can be successfully overcome.
If you believe someone you care about has bulimia, confront them about their illness. Share your concern. Encouragement, caring, persistence, and information about eating disorders and their dangers may be needed to convince the ill person to get help, stick with treatment or try again.
Treatment approaches
Since the causes of bulimia are so complex, effective treatment requires a multidisciplinary team of professionals who specialize in the treatment of persons with eating disorders. The team should be able to address the medical, psychological, psychiatric, and medical nutrition needs of the patient. Because persistent vomiting erodes tooth enamel, dentcal care should also be a part of the treatment program.
- In-patient /Residential treatment: for patients who require close monitoring or medical treatment, or who do not have access to out-patient treament programs in their own community
- Out-patient treatment: for patients who are able to remain in their own homes during treatment without risk to their health
According to NIMH studies, a combination of therapy and anti-depressant medication provides the most effective treatment for bulimia Cognitive-behavioral therapy is also very useful in helping individuals with bulimia overcome long-standing abnormal eating behaviors. Group therapy and support groups have been found to be very helpful in the long-term recovery of individuals with bulimia.
Hospitalization
While outpatient treatment alone is sufficient for the recovery of most people with bulimia, some individual may require hospitalization. Extreme purging puts a tremendous strain on the body's organs and drugs such as ipecac (used to stimulate vomiting), laxatives, and diuretics can be toxic when abused. Conditions warranting hospitalization include heart abnormalities, metabolic imbalances, substance abuse, clinical depression or risk of suicide.
Family involvement
An eating disorder is no one's fault; however, it is essential that the patient and the family learn to communicate verbally rather than through food.The treatment team should involve the patient's family throughout treatment to help the family understand treatment goals, and learn about the eating disorder and the functions it serves for both patient and family.
- Learn as much as you can about bulimia so you can help the patient understand their problem.
- Contact a qualified professional for advice on the best way to approach the person you're concerned about.
- Keep telling the patient how much you care and how frightened you are about the way they are risking their health.
- Provide information about eating disorders and the danger to their health to convince the ill person to get help, stick with treatment or return to treatment.
- Encourage them in any effort they make. Be persistent without becoming a nag.
- Seek out a family support group for yourself.
On-going recovery
Even after the end of treatment, outpatient follow-up is extremely important and should provide sustained contact between the treatment program and the patient. Many patients with bulimia benefit from participating in self-help groups during their on-going recovery.
Learn more about Bulimia Nervosa
Symptoms and Signs
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