Effective Treatment For Bulimia
Integrated & holistic approaches to the treatment of eating disorders
Bulimia Nervosa, more commonly known as bulimia, is an eating disorder that is characterized by binging and purging. Individuals with this condition also have problems with body image, and may have associated mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma and low self-esteem concerns.
As with any eating disorder, the treatment for clients with bulimia is often very complex. There are multiple facets of treatment to consider, which is why the holistic, integrated approach to treatment used at Eating Disorder & Addiction Specialists Group is highly effective.
Rather than treating the symptoms of the eating disorder, the professionals at Eating Disorder & Addiction Specialists Group treat the individual. This can include a range of different treatment modes and options, all designed to address the underlying issues, develop self-esteem and a positive sense of self, and to develop a healthy understanding of diet, nutrition, exercise and body image.
Understanding Bulimia
Bulimia is often a challenge for the family or loved ones to pinpoint. Often the individual, who could be a male or female of any age, will be very creative in hiding their changes in eating and in the purging behaviour that follows.
Unlike anorexia, there is often not a significant weight loss for individuals with bulimia. They may maintain their weight or have weight swings from slightly higher to slightly lower.
Eating in the binging phase of the cycle is typically secretive. Many people with bulimia will be very restrictive with their food intake most of the time and may openly discuss being on a diet. Then, as the urge to binge builds, they will engage in a rapid and uncontrolled intake of foods. These typically include high carbohydrate, sugar, and fatty foods. Despite wanting to stop, they may easily consume thousands of calories in a binge that may last thirty minutes or more.
While there is an immediate feeling of euphoria and satiation as the chemicals in the brain change with the flood of receptors released by the food intake, it is almost immediately followed by intense self-loathing, disgust and guilt. This may also take the form of self-anger and the need to rid the body of the food that has been consumed.
During the purge part of the cycle, the individual may use laxatives, diuretics, fasting and even extreme exercise to try to offset the massive calorie intake during the binge. They may also attempt to induce vomiting, which is a common method of an immediate purge.
Treatment is Effective
The health risks of bulimia are very real and lifelong if not treated. This is an eating disorder that can be overcome with psychotherapy and support.
Philippe Jacquet's training and extensive experience in working with clients struggling with bulimia and other eating disorders offer a real solution. Through individualised treatment plans, clients can learn to understand the underlying issues of the cycle of bulimia, which may be linked to stress, sadness, loneliness or feelings of anxiety or anger over issues that seem out of the individual's control. Nutritional counselling and developing healthy eating and lifestyle choices are often a part of treatment.
Through changes in thoughts about food and emotions, developing a healthy self-image and self-confidence as well as a deeper understanding of the underlying issues allows clients to let go of the damaging and destructive cycle of bulimia and develop healthy lifestyle choices.
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