Symptoms of bulimia
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Symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa
Core Symptoms: Binge Eating and Compensatory Behaviors
Bulimia nervosa (BN) is primarily characterized by episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, laxative use, or excessive exercise to prevent weight gain 12. These behaviors are often secretive and accompanied by feelings of shame and guilt, making the disorder difficult to diagnose 25.
Psychological Symptoms: Anxiety and Depression
Individuals with bulimia often experience significant psychological distress, including symptoms of anxiety and depression. Studies have shown that fear of weight gain is a central symptom of BN, which can exacerbate anxiety and depressive symptoms 1. Additionally, there is a high prevalence of depressive symptoms among those with bulimia, with many patients reporting mild to severe depression 39. Anxiety and obsessional ruminations are also common, further complicating the psychological profile of those affected 3.
Physical Symptoms: Oral and Gastrointestinal Issues
Bulimia nervosa can lead to various physical complications, particularly affecting the oral and gastrointestinal systems. Common oral symptoms include dental erosion, increased dental caries, tooth pain, and hypersensitivity due to frequent vomiting 678. Other notable signs are salivary gland hypertrophy, xerostomia (dry mouth), and oral mucosal erythema 67. Gastrointestinal issues may include abdominal pain, esophageal rupture, and electrolyte imbalances such as hypokalemic alkalosis 4.
Behavioral Symptoms: Secretive and Compulsive Actions
The secretive nature of bulimic behaviors is a hallmark of the disorder. Patients often go to great lengths to hide their binge eating and purging activities, which can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment 25. Compulsive behaviors such as frequent weighing, body checking, and food preoccupation are also common 12.
Co-occurring Symptoms: Self-Injury and Suicidal Ideation
Bulimia nervosa is frequently associated with self-injurious behaviors and suicidal ideation. A significant proportion of individuals with BN report a history of self-harm and suicide attempts, highlighting the severe psychological impact of the disorder 10. These co-occurring symptoms underscore the need for comprehensive treatment approaches that address both the eating disorder and its associated psychological issues.
Conclusion
Bulimia nervosa is a complex eating disorder characterized by a range of symptoms, including binge eating, compensatory behaviors, and significant psychological and physical complications. Understanding these symptoms is crucial for early diagnosis and effective treatment, which should address both the core eating disorder behaviors and the associated anxiety, depression, and physical health issues.
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The Core Symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa, Anxiety, and Depression: A Network Analysis
Fear of weight gain is central to bulimia nervosa psychopathology, and interventions focusing on exposure to physical sensations may address both bulimia and co-occurring anxiety and depressive symptoms.
Observational Study
Highly CitedBulimia: the secretive syndrome.
Bulimia is a common, secretive disorder in teenage and young adult women, characterized by binge-eating episodes followed by vomiting, abdominal pain, laxative use, or sleep, and is associated with food preoccupation and mild weight fluctuations.
Case ReportHighly CitedThe Depressive Symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia nervosa patients exhibit similar psychiatric disturbances as those with major depressive disorder, but their anxiety and depressive symptoms are likely secondary to the eating disorder.
Observational StudyHighly CitedMedical complications and medical management of bulimia.
Bulimia can cause serious psychological and physical complications, and medical management is essential for effective treatment.
Highly CitedBulimia: Symptoms and Syndromes in an Urban Population
The prevalence of bulimia in urban populations is closer to 1–2% when using new DSM criteria, aligning with clinical experience.
Observational StudyOral profiles of bulimic women: Diagnosis and management. What is the evidence?
Bulimic women experience various oral complications, including dental caries, tooth erosion, and dental pain, but early detection by dentists and physicians is crucial for preventing harmful effects of frequent vomiting on oral/dental tissues.
Systematic ReviewOral signs and symptoms in the diagnosis of bulimia.
Oral signs and symptoms of bulimia, such as enamel erosion, salivary gland enlargement, xerostomia, oral mucosal erythema, and cheilosis, can facilitate an earlier diagnosis and help eliminate unnecessary laboratory tests.
Oral symptoms in bulimia nervosa. A survey of 34 cases.
Bulimia nervosa is associated with a high frequency of oral symptoms, including hypersensitive teeth, tooth pain, and increased caries rate, as well as dry mouth or dry eyes.
Bulimia and depression.
Bulimia is symptomatically or pathophysiologically related to depression, with a higher prevalence in females with a history of affective disorder and a higher prevalence in first-degree relatives with affective disorder.
Observational StudyHighly CitedThe bulimia syndrome: course of the illness and associated problems.
Bulimia symptoms may wax and wane over time, with high frequencies of self-injurious behavior and suicide attempts in female patients.
Observational StudyHighly Cited