Bulimia Nervosa
What is it?
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.
What is the best treatment for bulimia?
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.
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/