Archive for the ‘Bulimia’ Category

How To Treat Bulimia

Tuesday, March 4th, 2008

Bulimia is mainly a psychiatric problem and involves behavioral therapy along with counseling. Therapy is most effective when it concentrates on the issues that cause the behavior, rather than on the behavior itself. The patient is advised to participate in group therapy, where persons suffering from Bulimia meet and talk about their experiences.

The patient may also need Anti-depressants since he usually suffers from depression. Since fluid and electrolyte imbalances are observed, it is prudent to relinquish the reserves with i.v.fluids and electrolytes. The mainstay of the treatment part is Follow-Up. Monitoring of a person’s compliance is vital to the success of treatment.

BULIMIA

Wednesday, February 13th, 2008
Bulimia (bulimia nervosa) is an eating disorder in which the person suffers from a cycle of binging and purging of food
Binge eating: Quickly eating large amounts of food over short periods of time.
 Purging: Forced vomiting, laxative use, excessive exercise, or fasting in an    attempt to lose weight that might be gained from eating food or binging.
Bulimia is mainly seen in young adult women. Their weight is normal or near normal. The exact cause of Bulimia is not known.

 

Signs and Symptoms:

ü      Over-concern with weight and body shape. This is not shared with anybody.
ü      Generalized weakness,
ü      Fatigue,
ü      Abdominal pain
ü      Abnormal and irregular menstrual cycles.
On examination the physician may notice
ü      Dental cavities
ü      Scars on knuckles as a result of chronic self-induced vomiting
ü      Loss of tooth enamel
ü      Signs suggestive of Malnutrition and dehydration like:
-         Dry/Flaky skin
-         Hair fall
-         Brittle nails
-         Vitamin deficiencies
-         Swelling over abdomen and feet.
-         Dry tongue.