|
Bulimia Nervosa (BN) differs from Anorexia Nervosa (AN) primarily in that the person with BN tends to have normal, or even slightly above normal, weight. Another difference is that a diagnosis of BN requires that the person engage in binge eating episodes. These binges must not last more than 2 hours, during which supernormal amounts of food are consumed. The person must feel a lack of control over the binge eating and associated guilt. The person must engage in abnormal compensatory behaviors in order to reduce the effects of the food consumed; vomiting is probably the most common compensatory behavior, followed by consuming laxatives, with extensive and intensive exercise a third common behavior. The bingeing and compensating must occur at least twice a week for 3 months. Thus BN grades over into the binge eating/purging type of AN, but is distinctly different from the "restricting" type of AN. Some bulimic people are helped by medications. If you or someone you love experiences enough of these symptoms to feel upset about it, you need to consult a mental health professional (clinician, therapist). A mental health professional will conduct a thorough evaluation to first understand what is happening and then will discuss treatment options, including medications. There are many ways family members or loved ones can help individuals who are dealing with the disorder. These books may be helpful: Dying to Be Thin : Understanding & Defeating Anorexia and Bulimia by Ira Sacker and Marc Zimmerman Surviving an Eating Disorder : Strategies for Family and Friends by Michelle Siegel, Judith Brisman, Margot Weinshel
Last updated 12/19/03 |
||
