Bulimia nervosa is an eating behavior disorders. Patients eat a large amount of food. They cannot stop until the stomach is bloating and uncomfortable. They are temporarily satisfied after binge eating but they regret after that. Then they use improper ways to get rid of the extra food intake to avoid weight gain, such as to induce vomiting or abuse of laxatives, over-exercise, or over-diet. This binge-clearing behavior is usually done secretly. If you have these behaviors twice or more a week and they last for more than 3 months, it meets the diagnostic criteria for bulimia nervosa. Bulimia can be cured. However, the duration of the entire treatment course can be very long and the result may be unpredictable. Support from family members and friends are very important for the rehabilitation.
How is Bulimia nervosa treated in practice?