Signs and Symptoms of a Dangerous Disorder

However, I do strongly believe that the case has been made for the addictive nature of certain eating disorders—bulimia and carbohydrate-craving obesity in particular—in which the ingested substance is food, not “drugs” as we commonly think of them. Eating is one of the most obvious ways in which we alter the neurochemistry of our brains every day. As for treatment, serotonin abnormalities are believed to be the culprit. Many bulimics improve on SSRI antidepressants. Dirk Hanson

Although Bulimia is not a disease that’s easily visible at first or even second sight, it’s a disease that is largely ignored and most often left untreated. This is so mostly because most people are not aware of its existence. As such, they are certainly not aware that Bulimia, or what is called in medical terms, “Bulimia nervosa” can have devastating physical, psychological and sociological effects and consequences.

If you look up Bulimia in the dictionary, the first thing that you will become aware of is that Bulimics eat more than normal, gorging themselves on as much as 3-4 times the normal amount . They then force themselves to throw up using emetics, or use laxatives to empty their stomachs. They will also often go days without food in anticipation of gorging the other days, compensating for their over-eating in ways that are neither healthy nor advisable.

Bulimics are obsessed with their weight, suffer from anxiety and depression. Although the disease centers around food, it is not that Bulimics have problems with food per se. They are just emoting their problems with food.

The effects of the disease can be terrible and disabling. Bulimics can be suffer from torn esophagus, decayed teeth and gum disease, inflamed throat and neck glands, acid reflux disorder, ruptured intestines, irritable bowel syndrome, dehydration, fevers and malfunctioning kidneys. This disease can affect every major gland and organ in the body. It is therefore critical that you become aware of how to spot the symptoms of Bulimia in case someone in your family or friendship circle becomes a victim of this disease.

Here are a few symptoms that will help you detect the disorder and get them professional help as soon as possible:

Weight Gain
Swollen or chipmunk cheeks
Eating more than the normal amount possible in a single meal or over the course of a few meals.
Look for calluses or scars on the knuckles which are caused by forced vomiting.
Chronic sore throat or hoarseness
A washed out and drained look that happens because they’re dehydrated and their body is low in minerals from all the purging and use of laxatives
Broken blood vessels in the eyes
Mood Swings that seem to come on for no apparent reason
Weakness and dizziness
Sores in the mouth and/or on their fingers (because they may be sticking it in their throats to induce vomiting)
Watch if they are obsessed with calories, fat grams and food.
Look to see if they are taking medicines to keep from gaining weight such as diet pills, water pills and laxatives. If you're not sure, check the trash; you may find empty bottles there.
Watch if there are any signs of vomiting after meals. Some bulimics wait up to an hour after meals to purge to avoid suspicion; if you can hear water running in the bathroom (as in a faucet) when water shouldn't be running or far longer than it would normally run, they may using the water to hide sounds of purging.
Observe behavior, such as lying about how much was eaten or denying that there is anything wrong.
Fainting or over-exercising.
Again, check the trash for large numbers of food wrappers, especially in the person’s room.
Is the person cleaning his/her own toilet without prompting? Is it cleaner than it used to be? This may be a sign that they are trying to hide purging.
Know that yet another sign of bulimia is if they are not having any periods.

Women and the teenagers are more susceptible to this disorder because of their obsession with their weight and the way they look. So if you have a daughter or a close female friend or relative who you believe may be acting in a way that you suspect points to bulimia, please talk to them and get them much-needed medical intervention before the situation worsens.

Even if you just suspect bulimia and are not really sure, it would be the best thing you could possibly do is to talk to the person you care about and get them to see a doctor who can help.

Remember, even though this might sound like a small thing, Bulimia is a very serious disorder with wide ranging consequences.

Rika B.

NOTE/Disclaimer: Inclusion in our list of organizations, books, counselors, and other links and resources does not necessarily indicate a recommendation or endorsement. What is helpful for another survivor may not be right for you. As always, use your own judgment when contacting any of these organizations. Advice given at this website, or in conjunction with Joshua Childrens Foundation activities is not to be taken as a counseling or clinical relationship but only as suggestion based on the founders personal experience as a sex abuse victim resulting in bulimia eating disorder and the healing journey from that. Articles, links, or content contained on this website should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner, nor should it be inferred as such. Always check with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about a specific condition. Joshua Childrens Foundation does not take any responsibility and is held harmless from any actions by anyone associated with the websites we link to.