Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Therarpist & Eating Disorder

Bulimia Nervosa

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"Bulimia nervosa is characterized by recurrent and frequent episodes of eating unusually large amounts of food (e.g., binge-eating), and feeling a lack of control over the eating. This binge-eating is followed by a type of behavior that compensates for the binge, such as purging (e.g., vomiting, excessive use of laxatives or diuretics), fasting and/or excessive exercise.

Unlike anorexia, people with bulimia can fall within the normal range for their age and weight. But like people with anorexia, they often fear gaining weight, want desperately to lose weight, and are intensely unhappy with their body size and shape. Usually, bulimic behavior is done secretly, because it is often accompanied by feelings of disgust or shame. The binging and purging cycle usually repeats several times a week. Similar to anorexia, people with bulimia often have coexisting psychological illnesses, such as depression, anxiety and/or substance abuse problems. Many physical conditions result from the purging aspect of the illness, including electrolyte imbalances, gastrointestinal problems, and oral and tooth-related problems.

Other symptoms include:

  • chronically inflamed and sore throat
  • swollen glands in the neck and below the jaw
  • worn tooth enamel and increasingly sensitive and decaying teeth as a result of exposure to stomach acids
  • gastroesophageal reflux disorder
  • intestinal distress and irritation from laxative abuse
  • kidney problems from diuretic abuse
  • severe dehydration from purging of fluids

As with anorexia, TREATMENT FOR BULIMIA often involves a combination of options and depends on the needs of the individual.

To reduce or eliminate binge and purge behavior, a patient may undergo nutritional counseling and psychotherapy, especially cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or be prescribed medication. Some antidepressants, such as fluoxetine (Prozac), which is the only medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treating bulimia, may help patients who also have depression and/or anxiety. It also appears to help reduce binge-eating and purging behavior, reduces the chance of relapse, and improves eating attitude."


I saw my therapist today and she was concerned about my SI and purging. She wants me to call her before I SI. She me if I can control the urge for 20 min it would pass. I think about it all the time. She is also concerned about my recent increase of laxatives and vomiting. I feel my weight is out of control, but this doesn't seem to be helping much. I just feel my whole life is out of control right now. I have to gain some control. She say I have control of my time and I need to be attending some group meeting. We talked a lot about weight issues today and my eating disorder. I still very depressed.

9 comments:

Just Be Real said...

That is a very good idea to call your t. before SI or purging. Going to groups also will be a positive thing too, as hard as it may be for you dear one.

((((Wanda))))

Nikki (Sarah) said...

I want to reach out to you Wanda. I want you to know I get it. I hurt myself so much I was terrified I was going to die from what I was doing but I couldn't stop - It's such a long rollar coaster process. I run now. I run in the mountains. It helps me to release the pent up tension. In time you'll find something that works equally as good but doesn't hurt you. For today be gentle with yourself ok. I'm in your in corner. Sarah

rcubes said...

Covering you with prayer Wanda. God bless. May His strength be your strength.

Andrea said...

Wanda:
I am praying for you! I have the opposite problem...I eat to solve my problems...I feed my heart and not my emotions. I, too struggle and know how hard it is to stop doing something very harmful to ones body. I know it is not the same, but I care and I will continue to pray.
andrea

Dreaming again said...

Hey girl. You know I get this one.

I found my book with your phone number ...expect the phone to ring!

Wondering Soul said...

Dear Wanda,

I understand the agony you are in. The need for control is overwhelming and feeling as though you don't have any is just terrifying. As Sarah has already said, it really is a rollercoaster and not one which feels easy to stop...
I have been thinking of you and hope that the depression will lift a little and become manageable.
I like it that your T has offered to be there when you are feeling desperate. Hope you can allow yourself to use that. It is important.
x

Unknown said...

My weight is a huge bone of contention for me. I hate myself for it. I can't stand purging at this point so I go in cycles of eating ok and then overeating. I feel for you.

Marilla said...

It's hard. So hard. Some of my favorite reminders are: "This too shall pass" "Do your best" and "It's just a day. (hour, minute, millisecond)" I'm sure that your T's hope is that by giving yourself some time, the urge can become less difficult to fight against--and it does take time, lots of it. I find myself having the same battle in my head about whether to harm or not today that I had many years ago--the only difference now is that I'm slightly more equipped to deal with it. Hope that you can try to stay safe.

Marj aka Thriver said...

Oh, Wanda. You are so brave. Thank you for sharing this with us. And thanks for raising awareness. Eating disorders just don't get talked about enough in our culture.

I have never purged (probably because that action triggers the heck out of me), but I, myself, have tended to binge and then starve myself. I haven't admitted this to many people.

I am sending all the love, healing vibes and (((((((BIG, safe hugs))))) I can to you, dear Wanda.