Topic > Beauty in the Eye of the Beholder: Bulimia Nervosa

In a city of strangers, appearance is the only defining trait that others can value. Such an epidemic where certain physical traits are classified as perfect, causes young people in adolescence to question themselves and starve to be accepted in today's society. Dissatisfaction with one's image due to the influence of society causes the development of certain disorders. One of these is bulimia nervosa, a serious, potentially life-threatening eating disorder characterized by periods of binge eating or overeating followed by the use of laxatives, often vomiting, or excessive exercise. In ancient times, a process similar to bulimia was performed, where people made themselves vomit just so they could consume more food. Bulimia has more than one causal factor. There are no benefits to such an eating disorder. Symptoms can range from weight fluctuations to fatal or permanent symptoms such as cardiac arrest and infertility. Treatment methods for bulimia are often a combination of psychotherapy, antidepressants, and nutritional counseling. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay There are 2 common types of bulimia nervosa; type of purging in which individuals engage in self-induced vomiting, or diuretics, or enemas after a period of binge eating. On the other hand, non-elimination is when an individual participates in excessive exercise or fasting. The vicious cycle of binging and purging takes a toll on an individual's body and mental well-being. Elimination does not result in actual weight loss, but an individual gains weight. Bulimia causes problems with tooth enamel, due to stomach acids resulting from frequent vomiting. An individual for the same reason also develops gum infections, tooth decay, swelling of the facial glands and inflammation of the esophagus. Likewise, it causes damage to the digestive system and produces electrolyte imbalances. In particular, decreased potassium and calcium levels can cause life-threatening heart and kidney problems. Additionally, bulimia causes chronic dehydration, irregular bowel movements, low pulse, anemia, fatigue, and low blood pressure. Most women who suffer from bulimia experience menstrual irregularities and sometimes the absence of a menstrual cycle, even after a normal BMI. As a result, have complications in conception. In particular, disturbance of the level of hormones that maintain estrogen levels can lead to complete cessation of ovulation and the development of infertility. One study found that women suffering from bulimia are twice as likely to seek gynecological help for fertility problems than the general population (Gurevich, 2019). It is also important to highlight the emotional side effects of bulimia, such as social isolation, fear, low self-esteem, high anxiety, and depression. Despite the difficulties with bulimia, it is possible to overcome it with the help of proper treatment and guidance. There are two main types of treatment methods; psychopharmacological and psychosocial treatments. As regards psychopharmacological treatment, only a specific antidepressant is prescribed, namely fluoxetine. One study stated that patients who received 60 mg of fluoxetine showed the best response by reducing binge eating and purging. However, psychosocial treatment for bulimia can range from individual to family psychotherapy sessions. In particular, cognitive-behavioral therapy helps normalize one's eating pattern and identify unhealthy beliefs and..