Treatment FAQ

which treatment is most effective for clients diagnosed with bulimia

by Brielle Murazik Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Psychotherapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a type of individual counseling. It focuses on changing your thinking (cognitive) and behavior (behavioral). Treatment includes techniques for developing healthy attitudes toward food and weight.May 16, 2022

Medication

What Sorts of Medications Are Available for Bulimia Treatment?

  • Common Medication Choices. Mayo Clinic reports that there is only one medication that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of bulimia.
  • Working with Medications. While it’s easy to understand why medications might be a good choice for some people, they are not the right choice for all people.
  • A Good Choice. ...

Therapy

Your treatment team works with you to:

  • Develop a treatment plan. This includes a plan for treating your eating disorder and setting treatment goals. ...
  • Treat physical complications. Your treatment team monitors and addresses any health and medical issues that are a result of your eating disorder.
  • Identify resources. ...
  • Work to identify affordable treatment options. ...

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These include:

  • maternal high blood pressure
  • gestational diabetes
  • miscarriage
  • premature birth
  • breech birth
  • higher risk of cesarean delivery
  • low birth weight babies
  • birth defects
  • stillbirth
  • breastfeeding difficulties

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What is the best antidepressant for bulimia?

  • Identify the situations or thoughts that trigger an urge to binge or purge
  • Develop escape routes they can use in order to avoid these triggers
  • Build skills they can employ when the trigger can’t be avoided
  • Practice healthy self-talk and self-care, so triggers become less enduring

What is the best treatment for bulimia?

What are the long term effects of bulimia?

What sorts of medications are available for bulimia treatment?

What therapy is most effective for bulimia?

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) remain the most established treatments for bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder, with stepped-care approaches showing promise and new behavioral treatments under study. Transdiagnostic enhanced CBT has improved symptoms in adults and youth.

Which of these combined treatments seems to be the most effective in treating cases of bulimia nervosa?

CBT is the single most well-studied and effective treatment for bulimia nervosa. Some studies have reported that the combination of antidepressant therapy and CBT results in the highest remission rates.

What is the first goal for treatment for patients with bulimia nervosa?

Managing compulsive behaviors. Compulsive binge eating may be triggered by a number of different factors. Identifying the trigger issues in each patient and learning how to better handle those problems without resorting to binge eating is another main goal of treatment.

How can bulimia be treated or prevented?

To treat bulimia, your doctor will consider your physical and psychological needs. Your treatment may include counseling and medications. Often, it involves a team of medical, nutritional, and mental health professionals. They'll try to help you restore your health and healthy eating patterns.

Can bulimia nervosa be treated if diagnosed early?

Early treatment can break unhealthy eating patterns before they become harder to overcome. You can reduce your risk of bulimia nervosa by getting treatment for other conditions like depression and anxiety disorders.

Which is the most appropriate goal for a patient with an eating disorder?

Goals of eating disorder treatment include: Restoring patients to a healthy body weight. Stabilizing accompanying symptoms and medical conditions of the eating disorder. Reducing or eliminating negative behaviors including bingeing, purging, and compulsive exercise.

What is the best way to diagnose bulimia?

An important element for diagnosing bulimia is the individual's story of how she or he is feeling. A health care professional will also do a physical exam and may recommend blood tests to check for problems associated with vomiting or laxative use.

How often do people with bulimia binge?

People with bulimia may binge a few times a week or as frequently as several times a day. Most people with bulimia are female (85% to 90%) and the disorder usually begins between ages 15 and 20. There are two types of bulimia: purging bulimia. A person with this type makes herself or himself vomit after binging. nonpurging bulimia.

How do you know if you have bulimia?

Symptoms of bulimia include: extreme concern over body weight or body shape. eating large quantities of food over a short period, often in secret. binge eating followed by self-induced vomiting; use of laxatives, diuretics, enemas or suppositories; fasting or severe dieting; or excessive exercise.

What is bulimia nervosa?

Bulimia: Symptoms, diagnosis and treatments. Bulimia nervosa, often called bulimia, is an eating disorder. Individuals with bulimia eat large amounts of food in a relatively short time, often even when they aren't hungry. People with bulimia tend to feel out of control when eating and can't stop eating.

What is the cause of bulimia?

Eating disorders such as bulimia tend to be caused by a mix of physical and emotional problems. Treatment usually aims to address all of these problems by: helping the individual understand and change harmful thought patterns related to bulimia.

Can laxatives cause bulimia?

Overuse of laxatives can cause chronic gastrointestinal problems. Severe bulimia can lead to heart problems, and sometimes can be deadly. Some individuals have bulimia for a short time, such as during a stressful a stage of life. Others have it for many years.

Does bulimia medication work?

But medication generally doesn't work alone , and is best when combined with psychotherapy and other kinds of support. About a quarter of individuals with bulimia get better without treatment. With treatment, more than half improve.

How long does bulimia last?

For example, an individual with bulimia may have a binge episode that typically lasts anywhere from 1-3 hours. This binge episode might involve in ingestion of an abnormally large amount of food, in which a person eats well beyond their capacity of fullness.

How to help someone with eating disorder?

Many psychotherapy techniques have been shown to be effective in reducing binging/purging urges or in helping a person heal from the underlying issues that are connected with this eating disorder. This includes the practice and integration of: 1 Mindfulness 2 Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) 3 Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) 4 Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) 5 Interpersonal therapy

Is bulimia nervosa a disease?

Contrary to what the general public may believe, bulimia nervosa is a severe and complex psychiatric disease, influenced by strong biological components. While our society and culture, which is often obsessed with losing weight and achieving unrealistic body standards, may portray bulimia as a disease of “vanity”, ...

Does bulimia nervosa cause weight loss?

While some individuals may initially engage in dieting behaviors in attempt to lose weight, bulimia nervosa is not just an attempt for weight loss.

Does Zoloft help with bulimia?

In research studies, this medication was found to decrease the number of binging and purging episodes in individuals with moderate to severe bulimia. Other antidepressant medications, such as Zoloft and Paxil, may also be helpful in decreasing obsessions with food and weight and in managing underlying depression.

What is the best treatment for bulimia?

The primary treatment for bulimia often combines psychotherapy, anti depressants, and nutritional counseling. It is helpful to find a psychologist or psychiatrist experienced in dealing with eating disorders.

How to help bulimics?

Body exercises such as yoga, tai chi, qigong, and dance can help bulimics with their problems of body image. Reprogramming mental processes to gain control over the binge-and-purge cycles is another approach. Either hypnotherapy or EEG biofeedback may help.

Can hypnotherapy help with bulimia?

Either hypnotherapy or EEG biofeedback may help. If you seek help here, be sure to ask hypnotherapists or biofeedback practitioners about their experience in treating eating disorders. And again, tell your doctor and other therapists about the care you get. Nutrition and Diet's Role in Bulimia Treatment.

What is the best medication for bulimia?

That medication is fluoxetine, sold under the brand name Prozac. This medication is a type of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor ...

Why do clinicians use medications?

But some clinicians do use medications as a way to augment the work their clients are doing in therapy. Some people find that the medications they take while in therapy help them to feel calm, collected, and in control. That could help these people to really recover from bulimia.

Can bulimia be purged?

Some people with bulimia create very elaborate rituals involving what they can eat, how they can eat, and how they can purge. They may feel as though they should handle every one of these steps in the same way, or something terrible will happen.

Is bulimia a mental illness?

That relief could be due, in part, to the fact that bulimia is often tied to undiagnosed mental illness. An article in Current Psychiatry suggests that depression, especially major depression, is considered a common co-occurring mental health disorder in people who have bulimia.

Does therapy help with bulimia?

Researchers found that therapy did a much better job. Studies like this demonstrate the real power of enrolling in a therapy program for bulimia. It is here that people can pick up skills they need in order to control bulimia for good. But some clinicians do use medications as a way to augment the work their clients are doing in therapy.

Is bulimia a good choice?

A Good Choice. People with bulimia have a great deal of choice when it comes to treatment and recovery. They could choose a program that includes medications, or they could look for programs that do not rely on any pharmaceutical support. Either option is valid. The real key is to get help.

What is the diagnosis of bulimia nervosa?

The diagnosis and long-term treatment of bulimia nervosa require the practitioner to have insight into the patient's thoughts regarding weight, food, and eating rituals. The cardinal symptoms of bulimia nervosa include only inappropriate bingeing and compensatory behavior, not low body weight.

What is bulimia nervosa?

Abstract. Bulimia nervosa is a psychiatric condition that affects many adolescent and young adult women. The disorder is characterized by bingeing and purging behavior and can lead to medical complications. Thus, patients with bulimia nervosa commonly present in the primary care setting. Physical and laboratory examinations reveal markers ...

What is the purging subtype of bulimia nervosa?

Bulimia nervosa is also delineated into 2 distinct subtypes: purging and nonpurging. With the purging subtype, patients engage in some method to remove the binged food from their bodies. This is most often accomplished by self-induced vomiting but can include the misuse of laxatives, enemas, or diuretics.

How many white women have bulimia nervosa?

However, most patients begin experiencing bulimic symptoms during adolescence.7Bulimia nervosa occurs in 2.3% of white women but in only 0.40% of black women.8. Risk factors for bulimia nervosa include, but are not limited to, ...

How many bulimics have substance abuse?

The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University reported that 30% to 70% of bulimics have a substance abuse problem.54Substances of abuse include tobacco, alcohol, and prescription and over-the-counter medications, such as diet pills and stimulants.

Is bulimia nervosa a variant of anorexia nervosa

Bulimia nervosa was described as an ominous variant of anorexia nervosa by Russell in 1979.4However, as more research has been conducted and more patients suffering from bulimia nervosa have been identified, bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa are now recognized as 2 distinct syndromes.

Does alcoholism affect bulimia?

Alcoholism has been reported to affect 31% of bulimics and is often found with major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder.55Strong familial relationships have also been observed between bulimia nervosa and alcoholism.56.

How long should a nurse stay with a client with bulimia nervosa?

A nurse should remain with clients diagnosed with either anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa for at least 1 hour after meals. This allows the nurse to monitor for food discarding (anorexia nervosa) and/or self-induced vomiting (bulimia nervosa).

What is the difference between bulimia and anorexia?

The nursing student statement that clients diagnosed with anorexia nervosa experience nutritional deficits, whereas clients diagnosed with bulimia nervosa do not, indicates that learning has occurred. Anorexia is characterized by low caloric and nutritional intake. Bulimia is characterized by episodic, rapid indigestion of large quantities of food, ...

What is the best drug for binge eating?

The nurse should identify that topiramate (Topamax) is the drug of choice when treating binge eating with obesity and treating bingeing and purging with a diagnosis of bulimia nervosa. Topiramate (Topamax) is a novel anticonvulsant used in the long-term treatment of binge-eating disorder with obesity.

Why should behavior modification therapy be used?

The nurse should identify that behavior modification therapy will be used because it provides the client with control over behavioral choices. Clients diagnosed with anorexia nervosa are often allowed to contract privileges based on weight gain. The client maintains control over eating and exercise.

What should a nurse do to help anorexia?

The nurse should educate the family on the importance of family dynamics, involvement, and support in the treatment of anorexia nervosa. Families engaging in conflict avoidance and struggling with issues of power and control may contribute to the development of this disorder or impede the progress of recovery.

What happens if you withdraw from anorexiants?

Withdrawal from anorexiants can result in rebound weight gain, lethargy, and depression. A nursing instructor is teaching students about the differences between the symptoms of anorexia nervosa and the symptoms of bulimia nervosa.

What is the best treatment for bulimia?

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is commonly used in eating disorder treatment, especially for bulimia and binge-eating disorder. You learn how to monitor and improve your eating habits and your moods, develop problem-solving skills, and explore healthy ways to cope with stressful situations.

What is the treatment for eating disorders?

Treatment. Treatment of an eating disorder generally includes a team approach. The team typically includes primary care providers, mental health professionals and dietitians — all with experience in eating disorders. Treatment depends on your specific type of eating disorder. But in general, it typically includes nutrition education, ...

What is family based therapy?

Family-based therapy (FBT). FBT is an evidence-based treatment for children and teenagers with eating disorders. The family is involved in making sure that the child or other family member follows healthy-eating patterns and maintains a healthy weight. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is commonly used in eating disorder treatment, ...

What is alternative medicine?

Alternative medicine is the use of a nonconventional approach instead of conventional medicine. Complementary or integrative medicine is a nonconventional approach used along with conventional medicine. Usually, when people turn to alternative or complementary medicine it's to improve their health.

What to do if you are not eating well?

If you're not eating well, chances are your body isn't getting all of the nutrients it needs, such as vitamin D or iron.

What do you ask a doctor about eating disorders?

A doctor or mental health professional will likely ask about your thoughts, feelings and eating habits. You may also be asked to complete psychological self-assessment questionnaires. Other studies. Additional tests may be done to check for any complications related to your eating disorder. Your mental health professional also may use ...

What tests are done to determine if you are eating disorders?

Assessments and tests generally include: Physical exam. Your doctor will likely examine you to rule out other medical causes for your eating issues. He or she may also order lab tests. Psychological evaluation.

Diagnosis

Clinical Trials

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Alternative Medicine

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Abhimanyu Chandak
Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
Treatment consists of antidepressants, counseling, medication and nutrition education.
Medication

Antidepressants: Reduce certain symptoms.

Fluoxetine

Therapy

Psychotherapy:Behavioral therapy helps alter associated habits and cognitive therapy helps change underlying negative thoughts.

Specialist to consult

Psychotherapist
Specializes in using psychological methods rather than medical means to treat mental disorders.
Psychiatrist
Specializes in the branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness.
Nutritionist
Specializes in the subject of nutrition and advises on matters of food.
Primary care physician
Specializes in the acute and chronic illnesses and provides preventive care and health.
Dieticians
Specialize in the nutritious diet and patient's food habits.

Coping and Support

  • If your primary care provider suspects you have bulimia, he or she will typically: 1. Talk to you about your eating habits, weight-loss methods and physical symptoms 2. Do a physical exam 3. Request blood and urine tests 4. Request a test that can identify problems with your heart (elect
See more on mayoclinic.org

Preparing For Your Appointment

  • Explore Mayo Clinic studiestesting new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.
See more on mayoclinic.org

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