Eating yourself sick. (1987, March 23). Bulimia, Life Skills Education, Inc.

OVERVIEW

Bulimia refers to a cycle of behavior. Bulimics consume food and then eliminate it through vomiting, laxatives, or diuretics.

SYMPTOMS

Bulimics appear to be happy, healthy, attractive, and usually successful. They are achievers and feel that they are not good enough, because they want to be perfect. Their desires to become perfect revolve on a very low self-image; they are afraid of failure. Bulimics, also excessively concerned about what others think of them, act exactly how others want them to act.

STATISTICS

Though it can appear at any age, research indicates that bulimia usually develops at the age of eighteen. Over 90% of the reported cases are of women. Men also contract the disease, but it is harder for men to seek treatment. Senior citizens, as well as pre-teens, may also have bulimia.

TREATMENT

To realize that you are bulimic and that you are unhappy is the first step. Group therapy, individual counseling, family therapy, behavior modification, anti-depressant drugs and support groups are all forms of treatment for bulimia. As the body is being treated, the emotional issues causing bulimia must also be addressed and worked through. All major cities and many smaller communities have services to help.

INTERESTING FACTS

Bulimia is an illness only recently recognized by the medical and mental health professions.

One out of five college women engages in bulimic activities.

The binge-and-purge cycle varies from person to person.

Bulimics find their behavior as "disgusting" as others do and desperately try to find a way to stop.

IMPLICATIONS

1. It is noteworthy that bulimia tends to come about in late adolescents and is prevalent with college-age individuals. This may reflect trauma of moving from late adolescence to adulthood.
2. There are more emotional issues involved than just poor self-image or low self-esteem. The other issues must also be addressed.
3. Bulimia is a quiet disease but needs our attention more and more. It is more prevalent in the age group that tends to hold things within and hide problems for fear of showing immaturity. If they express their problems, parents, friends and others are less apt to give them independence. We need to show compassion, understanding, and sensitivity to those demonstrating this disease.