Bulimia NervosaVan DinhAdrian Chiu

Bulimia• Constant battle between the desire to stay thin

and the compulsion to binge eat.• After eating excessive amounts of food, those

with bulimia, would purge their bodies in secrecy as they feel ashamed and disgusted that they have eaten but at the same time, satisfied that their stomachs are empty.

Why is this important?•Many around us have some type of

psychological disorder•This disorder is usually linked and

confused with anorexia•1 in 181 of every American has Bulimia•Many believe that Bulimia is only found in

females but it also affects men as well.

What Is Bulimia?• Psychological eating disorder

(1980’s)• Episodes of binge eating

followed by various inappropriate methods of releasing the food eaten

Vomiting, fasting, enemas, use of laxatives and/or diuretics, excessive exercise, etc.

• Response to depression, stress, low self esteem, etc.

• Binge episode: loss of control followed by a calmness, followed by self-loathing.

Prevalence

•1 in every 181 Americans▫0.55% of the U.S. Population

•5-15% of anorexia or bulimia cases are of men in the U.S.▫National Institute of Mental Health

People With Bulimia• Can look perfectly normal• Most are of normal weight• Typically women who are high

achievers

Local Resources• JFK Mental Health Center

Robert P Bass112 N Broad StPhiladelphia, PA 19102(215) 568-0860

• Thomas Jefferson University Hospital111 S 11th StPhiladelphia, PA 19107(215)955-6000

• Robert Dreyfus MDRobert Dreyfus1315 Walnut StSTE 1700Philadelphia, PA 19107(215) 545-1566

• Childrens Service IncTracey Jones1315 Walnut StSTE 200Philadelphia, PA 19107(215) 546-3503

Bulimia in Movies•Kate's Secret

(1986) •Girl, Interrupted

(1999)•Life is Sweet

(1990)

Personal Stress Management Techniques• Do not skip meals.

▫If someone with bulimia decides not to eat, they would desire what they did not have and binge as a result.

•Avoid media images that promote skinny figures.▫Be aware of situation where large amounts of

food would be present.•Avoid overeating or binging.•Appreciate yourself.•Find support from peers and family

References• Smith, M., & Kovatch, S. Bulimia Nervosa: Signs, Symptoms,

Treatment, and Help. Helpguide.org: Understand, Prevent and Resolve Life's Challenges. Retrieved June 9, 2010, from http://helpguide.org/mental/bulimia_signs_symptoms_cause

• Bulimia: symptoms, causes, treatment, complications, long-term outlook. MamasHealth.com: simple, easy to understand information about health. Retrieved June 9, 2010, from http://www.mamashealth.com/bulimia.asp

• Prevalence and Incidence of Bulimia Nervosa. Wrong Diagnosis. Retrieved June 7, 2010, from http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/b/bulimia_nervosa/prevalence.htm

• Barth, R. Bulimia. eMedicine. Retrieved June 7, 2010, from emedicine.medscape.com/article/806548-overview

• Overcoming Bulimia Nervosa. Herbal Remedies and Natural Remedies for ADD ADHD Anxiety and More. Retrieved June 7, 2010, from http://www.nativeremedies.com/ailment/bulimia-symptoms.html#question4