Module 1 - Types of Eating Disorders

More information about BN

• Although much more common in girls and women, anorexia nervosa also occurs in boys and men.
• Although more common in girls and women, bulimia nervosa also occurs in males.
• Recent estimates suggest that between 1 and 4% of females will suffer from bulimia at some point in their lives.
• Unlike anorexia nervosa, youth with bulimia generally are within the normal range for weight. This may make it more difficult for parents or physicians to recognize the problem.
• The illness generally evolves over the course of time, with symptoms becoming more obvious as the disease takes over.
• Similar to those suffering with anorexia nervosa, people with bulimia have a tremendous fear of gaining weight and are very preoccupied and fearful of gaining weight.
• Symptoms are characterized by a lot of guilt and shame, which often results in patients feeling tortured if they aren't symptomatic, but then terribly guilty and/ or shameful when they are.
• Individuals with bulimia tend to have lower rates of medical complications than those with anorexia nervosa owing to the fact that their body weights are closer to normal.
• However, frequent binging and purging can result in many complications, including the loss of potassium needed for the heart to function properly. This in turn increases the potential risk for heart failure and death.
• People with bulimia nervosa also struggle with high rates of depression, anxiety, and other mental health illnesses.
• Different treatment options have shown success including the use of antidepressants as well as a form of psychotherapy called cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, and Family-based therapy (FBT).
• Although treatment will be experienced differently by everyone, full recovery is possible.