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Bulimia Nervosa

 

What is it?

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Bulimia Nervosa is characterised by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviours in an attempt to prevent weight gain. A binge involves eating a large amount of food in a short period of time and typically feels out of the person's control. Compensatory behaviours include: self-induced vomiting, fasting, overexercising and/or the misuse of laxatives or diuretics. Bulimia sufferers often have an intense fear of weight gain and their self-worth is largely influenced by shape and weight.

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What is the best treatment for bulimia?

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The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE, 2017)

guidelines recommend Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - Enhanced

for Eating Disorders (CBT-E) as the leading treatment for bulimia.

 

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Helpful resources

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• NICE Guidelines for Bulimia Nervosa treatment: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng69/ifp/chapter/Bulimia-nervosa-treatment-for-adults

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•  Beat Eating Disorders - UK Eating Disorders Charity with helpful advice, support and resources: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/types/bulimia

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• Anorexia and Bulimia Care offers telephone and email support for eating disoder sufferers and their carers - https://www.anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk/

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