Bulimia

Bulimia

Bulimia is a common Eating Disorder

1st step: binge

Eat large amounts of unhealthy foods

2nd Step Purge

Getting rid of all food in body (puking, laxatives, etc)

Vicious Cycle

CAUSES

Causes are not proven, usually a combination

Genetics

Family history of eating disorders

Social Pressures

To be thin or “pretty”

Stress

Major life events such as divorce, death, job loss, etc can cause bulimia

Other Mental Disorders

Bulimia is often linked to other disorders such as anxiety and depression

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Scars on hands

Hands are damaged from contact with hands while binging

Swollen checks

Caused by induced vomiting

Discolored and rotted teeth

Caused by stomach acid from vomit

TREATMENT

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Change negative thoughts about food and weight

Interpersonal Psychotherapy

Changes thoughts about oneself and relationships

Antidepressants

Due to the fact eating disorders are linked to other mental disorders and people usually have low serotonin levels.

DISCLAIMER

This a project for a high school AP Psychology course. This is a fictionalized account of having a psychological ailment. For questions about this blog project or its content please email the teacher, Laura Astorian: [email protected]