Media and societal pressure

to be skinny
Athletes, actors, dancers and
models

Bulimia
A silent Epidemic

Physical Symptoms:

A potentially life threatening

eating disorder, categorized
by secretly binge eating and
then purging to get rid of extra
calories in an unhealthy way.
Purging bulimia: Regularly
self-induce vomiting, using
laxatives, diuretics or enemas
after binge eating.

Preoccupation with food

Binge eating, usually in secret
Vomiting after bingeing
Laxative, diuretic, or diet pill
abuse
Compulsive exercise
Swollen salivary glands
Broken blood vessels in the
eyes
Normal range for age and
weight
Electrolyte imbalances
Gastrointestinal problems
Oral and tooth related
problems

Dehydration
Kidney failure
Heart problems
Tooth decay
Gum disease
Absent or irregular periods
Digestive problems
Dependence on laxatives to
have a bowel movement
Anxiety
Depression
Suicide

Psychological Symptoms:
Nonpurging bulimia: Excess
exercise, fasting, and or strict
dieting to prevent weight gain.
Did you know?
Up to 30 million Americans
suffer from an eating
disorder!
10-15% of people with an
eating disorder are male.
3.9% of people with bulimia,
die from heart failure, organ
failure, malnutrition, or
suicide.

Fear of gaining weight

Depression
Anxiety
Substance abuse
Risk Factors:
Being Female
Late teens to early adulthood
Family History of an eating
disorder
Psychological and emotional
issues

Criteria for Diagnosis:

Recurrent episodes of
bingeing and vomiting
Lack of control during
bingeing
Getting rid of extra calories
from bingeing by vomiting,
excessive exercise, fasting,
or laxative misuse.

 Bingeing and purging at least

once a week for at least
three months
Body weight influences selfworth

Which comes first: Anxiety

or Eating Disorder?
2/3 of people with eating
disorders suffer from
anxiety.
42% of people with eating
disorders developed an
anxiety disorder during
childhood, prior to the onset
of their eating disorder.
Obsessive Compulsive
Disorder (OCD) is common
with an eating disorder.
o Compulsive rituals
such as weighing
every bite of food or
even binge eating.
PTSD and Social anxiety
increases the risk for
developing bulimia.

are usually seen in 12-16

weeks.

Exposure Therapy gradually

exposes a patient to a feared
situation or object, and learns
to become less sensitive over
time. This has been effective
in OCD and phobias.
Acceptance and
Commitment Therapy uses
strategies of acceptance and
mindfulness along with
commitment and behavioral
change, as a way to cope with
unwanted thoughts and
commit to needed behavior
change.
Interpersonal Therapy is a
short term supportive
psychotherapy that addresses
issues in depression. This
involves 12-16 one hour
weekly sessions.
Medications such as
antidepressant (Prozac) is
specifically approved by the
food and drug administration
to treat bulimia.

Anxiety & eating disorders

may be treated at the same
time & in the same manner.
Cognitive-Behavioral
Therapy focuses on
identifying, understanding,
and changing thinking and
behavior patterns. Benefits

Nutrition education &

healthy weight can be
provided by a Dietician to help
achieve a healthy weight.
Hospitalization may be
necessary if bulimia is severe
and serious health
complications exist.

Charis Counseling
Individual and/family therapy.
Relationship and family
counseling on issues from
anxiety to depression.
Clients include: children &
teens who suffer from
eating disorders.
715-848-0525
Teen Line
National hotline support.
Teen-to-teen education
and support.
Community outreach
program.
310-855-4673 or
Text TEEN to 839863
United Way-Marathon
County
Free, confidential information
and referral service
(715) 848-2255 or
2-1-1

References
National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders. (2016). Bulimia Nervosa. Retrieved
from http://www.anad.org/get-information/bulimia-nervosa/
National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders. (2016). Eating Disorders Statistics.
Retrieved from http://www.anad.org/get-information/about-eating-disorders/eating-disordersstatistics/
Mayo Clinic. (2016). Bulimia Nervosa Treatment. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseasesconditions/bulimia/diagnosis-treatment/treatment/txc-20179842
Anxiety and Depression Association of America. (2016). Therapy. Retrieved from
http://www.adaa.org/finding-help/treatment/therapy
National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders. (2016). Eating Disorder Professionals.
Retrieved from http://www.anad.org/eating-disorders-get-help/treatment-centers/wisconsin/
Teen Line. (2016). Our Story: What is Teen Line? Retrieved from https://teenlineonline.org/our-story/
United Way. (2016). Eating Disorder Service Search. Retrieved from
http://www.referweb.net/wimc/KeywordList.aspx?;;0;;N;0;82078;eating%20disorder;Partial