What is Bulimia Nervosa?

What is Bulimia Nervosa?

This is characterised by recurrent episodes of binge eating and subsequent inappropriate compensatory behaviour in order to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, diuretics, enemas, or other medications; fasting, or excessive exercise.

What signs should I look out for?

  • Weight loss or unusual fluctuations in weight;
  • Alternating restricted and binge pattern of eating; Large amounts of food disappearing from cupboards;
  • Use of bathroom immediately after meals;
  • Preoccupation with food.

What are the effects of Bulimia?

  • Largely similar to Anorexia Nervosa
  • Low mood; Low energy;
  • Decreased concentration;
  • Decreased ability to perform to potential in work and life environment;
  • Loss of confidence;
  • Loss of enjoyment of activities;
  • Menstrual cycle disturbance and potential infertility; Increasing social isolation and avoidance of friends.

The physical effects include:

  • Increased risk of osteoporosis;
  • Repeated vomiting can lead to a number of complications. Oesophagitis which is an inflammation of the oesophagus may occur and causes symptoms of heartburn and chest pains. If the vomiting is severe, persistent tears can develop in the wall of the oesophagus leading to bleeding which may be life threatening. Severe vomiting can also result in electrolyte imbalances such as low potassium levels. Electrolyte imbalances can lead to cardiac problems such as abnormal heart rhythms;
  • Calluses may occur on the back of the hands from rubbing on the teeth to induce vomiting;
  • Inflammation of the pancreas leading to abdominal pain may occur The salivary glands can become enlarged and painful;
  • Acid from the stomach may wear away the enamel of the teeth leading to tooth decay and gum disease;

Is it a serious condition?

The overall prognosis for someone with Bulimia is better than for Anorexia Nervosa. Approximately one third of people with Bulimia will remain continuously ill. Relapses are extremely common and occur in approximately 60% of people with Bulimia. Depression very frequently co-occurs.

Can anyone develop Bulimia Nervosa?

Bulimia Nervosa is more common than Anorexia Nervosa. About 30% of people with Bulimia will have had Anorexia Nervosa. Frequently, people with Bulimia describe a long history of dietary problems. The peak age of onset tends to be later than for Anorexia Nervosa, occurring in late adolescence and early twenties.

What causes Bulimia Nervosa?

As with Anorexia Nervosa, the causes of Bulimia are multi-factorial and similar to those mentioned above.

  • Biological
    Genetic studies have revealed that there is a genetic contribution to Bulimia Nervosa. Chemical transmitters in the brain such as serotonin and dopamine have also been studied and have been found to be lower than the levels found in people without Bulimia.
  • Psychological
    People with Bulimia have been found to show high rates of Depression and alcohol misuse. They also commonly describe feelings of impulsivity and low self-esteem. Occasionally, there is a history of sexual abuse.
  • Familial
    Families of people with Bulimia have been noticed to demonstrate high levels of other mental health difficulties, particularly Depression.

When is Professional Help required?



As with Anorexia Nervosa, the treatment of Bulimia involves many different therapeutic approaches. Most people with Bulimia can be treated as outpatients. Helping the person to understand the importance of healthy eating with a regular diet is a cornerstone of treatment.

  1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy can be very helpful in enabling the person to challenge distorted beliefs about food and diet. Overvalued ideas about body shape and weight can be replaced with more realistic and helpful thinking. The person can be helped to understand more about the emotional cues that trigger bingeing and restricting patterns of eating. This awareness can facilitate changes in the person’s relationship to food by generating alternative, healthier responses to situations that would previously have triggered a binge or purge.
  2. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) may be very helpful in older adolescents where there are often difficulties with relationships.
  3. Medication: Antidepressants such as Fluoxetine can be helpful in the short term both for comorbid depression and reducing binges.