What is Bulimia Nervosa

A person with Bulimia Nervosa usually maintains an average weight, or may be slightly above or below average weight for height, which often makes it less recognisable than serious cases of Anorexia Nervosa. Many people, including some health professionals, incorrectly assume that a person must be underweight and thin if they have an eating disorder. Because of this, Bulimia Nervosa is often missed and can go undetected for a long period of time. Bulimia Nervosa is a serious psychiatric illness characterised by recurrent binge-eating episodes (the consumption of abnormally large amounts of food in a relatively short period of time). Binge episodes are associated with a sense of loss of control and immediately followed by feelings of guilt and shame, which then leads the person to compensatory behaviours such as self-induced vomiting, fasting, over exercising and/or the misuse of laxatives, enemas or diuretics.

Warning Signs and Effects of Bulimia Nervosa

·         Difficulties with activities which involve food

·         Loneliness due to self-imposed isolation and a reluctance to develop personal relationships

·         Deceptive behaviours relating to food

·         Fear of the disapproval of others if the illness becomes known

·         Mood swings, changes in personality, emotional outbursts or depression

·         Self harm, substance abuse or suicide attempts

·         Sensitivity to references about weight or appearance

·         Anxiety

·         Depression

·         Erratic behaviour

·         Mood swings