Presentation
[…] in 80-90% of individuals who present for treatment,7 and therefore this section describes the health state of an individual with bulimia nervosa, purging type. [acronymattic.com]
Case presentation We present as our main case a 20-year-old Japanese woman with anorexia nervosa who engaged in “tube vomiting.” [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Entire Body System
- Anemia
Cathartic colon (caused from laxative abuse) Edema (swelling of hands and feet) Low blood pressure Chest pains Development of peptic ulcers and pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) Gastric dilation and rupture Abrasions on back of hands and knuckles Anemias [mirror-mirror.org]
[…] bloating constipation inflamed or damaged esophagus swollen jaws or cheeks pancreatitis bowel obstruction, perforation, or infections gastroparesis, or slowed digestion stomach rupture Endocrine complications drop in body temperature or hypothermia anemia [psychcentral.com]
[…] exercising cooking meals for others without eating missing menstrual periods (in people who would typically menstruate) Physical signs may include (7): stomach cramps and other gastrointestinal symptoms difficulty concentrating atypical lab test results (anemia [healthline.com]
- Hypersomnia
Klein–Levin syndrome, also rare, is more common in men and consists of hyperphagia and periodic hypersomnia. Patients with the binge–purge subtype of anorexia nervosa fail to maintain their weight within a normal range. [clevelandclinicmeded.com]
Gastrointestinal
- Vomiting
The baselines of both groups were comparable with regard to key features, including binge and vomiting frequency, and carbohydrate and lipid intake. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
[…] uses other methods of compensation, such as fasting or excessive exercise, but does not regularly engage in self-induced vomiting or the use of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas. 7- Self-induced vomiting is the most common method to compensate for binge [acronymattic.com]
- Eating Frequently
[…] vomiting Broken blood vessels in the eyes Electrolyte imbalances Weakening of tooth enamel due to repeated vomiting Enlarged glands in the neck or cheeks, resulting in a “chipmunk” cheeks Chronic gastric re-flux after eating Frequent use of the bathroom [amyboyers.com]
Frequent self-induced vomiting can also lead to gastrointestinal dysmotility and to the development of additional symptoms and behaviors including spontaneous regurgitation, reflux and vomiting. [hopkinsmedicine.org]
Frequently, but not always, people with eating disorders have been victims of sexual, physical or emotional abuse as children. [consumer.healthday.com]
Expressing shame or guilt around eating. Frequently going to the bathroom during or immediately after meals. Increased irritability. Increased depression and suicidal ideation or self-harming behaviors. [eatingdisorderhope.com]
- Nausea
Cardiovascular complications irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) low pulse low blood pressure heart failure Gastrointestinal complications nausea and vomiting low blood sugar stomach pain and bloating constipation inflamed or damaged esophagus swollen jaws [psychcentral.com]
[…] non-draft ICD-10-CM) 2017 (effective 10/1/2016) : No change 2018 (effective 10/1/2017) : No change 2019 (effective 10/1/2018) : No change Code annotations containing back-references to F50.2 : Type 1 Excludes: R11, R63, F50.02 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code R11 Nausea [icd10data.com]
Self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, diuretics, and enemas Excessive exercising, fasting, or dieting Eating so much that it results in stomach pain Fluctuating weight – going up and down Gastrointestinal problems – diarrhea, gas, constipation, nausea [psycom.net]
Gastric rupture, the most serious complication, is uncommon. 17 More often, patients describe nausea, abdominal pain and distention, prolonged digestion and weight gain. [aafp.org]
When the patient is regurgitating previous swallowed food this might be partially digested and patient is not having nausea or involuntary retching. [clevelandclinicmeded.com]
- Hematemesis
) hematemesis ( K92.0 ) neonatal hematemesis ( P54.0 ) newborn vomiting ( P92.0- ) psychogenic vomiting ( F50.89 ) vomiting associated with bulimia nervosa ( F50.2 ) vomiting following gastrointestinal surgery ( K91.0 ) ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code R63 [icd10data.com]
10% Refusal to eat Failure to respond to outpatient treatment Bulimia nervosa Syncope Serum potassium < 3.2 mmol/L Serum chloride < 88 mmol/L Esophageal tears Cardiac arrhythmias including prolonged QTc Hypothermia Suicide risk Intractable vomiting Hematemesis [aafp.org]
[…] in oral intake or weight despite maximally intensive outpatient interventions Prior knowledge of weight at which physical instability is likely to occur in the particular patient Serious physical abnormalities Electrolyte or metabolic abnormalities Hematemesis [clevelandclinicmeded.com]
- Recurrent Vomiting
Moreover, the acid can aggravate or tear the esophagus, which can cause an individual to vomit blood. The circulatory system is affected in that recurrent vomiting, which can cause dehydration, weak muscles or fatigue. [therecoveryvillage.com]
Recurrent inappropriate compensatory behaviors in order to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting; misuse oflaxatives, diuretics, or other medications; fasting; or excessive exercise. C. [aafp.org]
Jaw & Teeth
- Dental Caries
caries Electrolyte abnormalities Gastrointestinal irritation, bleeding, or reflux Parotid abnormalities Secondary renal failure Based on information from references 35-38. [clevelandclinicmeded.com]
Cardiovascular
- Orthostatic Hypotension
Consider admission for persistent and recurrent emesis alone (10 to 20 times a day), especially in the face of bradycardia or orthostatic hypotension. [acphospitalist.org]
Bradycardia, orthostatic hypotension, and palpitations may progress to potentially fatal arrhythmias. Epigastric pain and a bloating sensation are common. Laxative abuse causes hemorrhoids and rectal prolapse. [aafp.org]
hypotension and heart rate less than 40 beats per minute or greater than 110 beats per minute Inability to sustain body core temperature Comorbid psychiatric illness (suicidal, depressed, unable to care for self) Based on information from references [clevelandclinicmeded.com]
Psychiatrical
- Low Self-Esteem
Low self-esteem: Women or men who think of themselves as useless, worthless, and unattractive are at risk for bulimia. Things that can contribute to low self-esteem include depression, perfectionism, childhood abuse, and a critical home environment. [soulutionscounselling.com]
Often times individuals will have emotional trauma, low self esteem, mental health disorders, a history of self-harm or substance abuse disorders that are driving them to engage in self-induced purging. [centerfordiscovery.com]
Left unchecked, it can to lead to metabolic disorders, low self-esteem, depression, or even death. It is therefore, important to seek treatment for this complex and dangerous form of bulimia, and the emotional issues that accompany it. [eatingdisorders.com]
They may also be preoccupied with and secretive around food, and feel self-conscious about eating around others. Low self-esteem, irritability and mood swings, and feelings of guilt, shame, and anxiety, especially after a binge, are also common. [beateatingdisorders.org.uk]
Psychotherapy : Some forms of treatment are psychotherapy, which uses counseling to uncover the reason for bulimia and to help boost self-esteem. [belmarrahealth.com]
- Preoccupation with Food
Their preoccupation with food and weight may become an obsession that severely impacts what and how they eat. They will create extreme rules and restrictions about their diets, and some people with anorexia may binge eat and then purge. [healthdirect.gov.au]
Warning Signs of Anorexia Nervosa Preoccupation with body shape, weight and/or appearance Intense fear of gaining weight Preoccupation with food or food related activities Negative or distorted body image; perceiving self to be fat when at a healthy weight [eatingdisorders.org.au]
Anorexia nervosa and bulimia are psychiatric illnesses that center on food and its consumption and are usually characterized by: Excessive preoccupation with food and dissatisfaction with one’s body shape or weight A compulsion to engage in extreme eating [hopkinsmedicine.org]
An eating disorder is an unhealthy preoccupation with food, weight, or appearance that interferes with everyday life. [eatingdisorderfoundation.org]
- Denial
[…] body weight at or above a normal weight for a person’s age, height and activity level intense fear of gaining weight, even though the person may be severely underweight disturbance in the way one views one’s body; significant distortion in body image; denial [pediatrics.uams.edu]
Signs of bulimia nervosa may include the following: Constantly thinking about food Binge eating, usually in secret Vomiting after binging Abuse of laxatives, diuretics, diet pills Denial of hunger Denial of induced vomiting Swollen salivary glands Anorexia [disabled-world.com]
Other symptoms include: Emaciation or a body weight that is too low Extreme fear of weight gain Denial of the seriousness of their weight and disorder Inability to maintain a healthy weight Restricted diet, refusal to eat in front of others, or severe [bluehorizoned.com]
Diagnosing bulimia nervosa is complicated by the secrecy and denial used by bulimics to mask binging and purging. Unlike anorexia nervosa, bulimia is not accompanied by a significant weight loss. [psychiatric-disorders.com]
Disturbance in the way in which one's body weight or shape is experienced, undue influence of body shape on self-evaluation, or denial of the seriousness of the current low body weight. D. [oeges.or.at]
- Dysphoric Mood
Binge eating is typically triggered by dysphoric mood states, interpersonal stressors, intense hunger following dietary restraints, or negative feelings related to body weight, shape, and food. [clevelandclinicmeded.com]
- Social Isolation
Social isolation and other behaviors around mealtimes can also be suggestive of bulimia. [therecoveryvillage.com]
Neurologic
- Seizure
In addition to anorexia, a number of disorders may mimic bulimia, including: borderline personality disorder brain tumors depression epileptic seizures Klein-Levin syndrome (a rare condition more common in men that causes excessive eating) Kluver-Bucy [psychiatric-disorders.com]
[…] hypothermia anemia menstrual irregularities (missing or irregular periods) insulin resistance (which can lead to type 2 diabetes) bone loss (osteopenia or osteoporosis) high cholesterol reduced resting metabolic rate kidney failure Neurological complications seizures [psychcentral.com]
Paresthesias, tetany, seizures or cardiac arrhythmias are potential metabolic complications that require acute care. 17 Chemistry profiles should be obtained regularly in patients who continue to vomit or abuse purgatives on a regular basis. [aafp.org]
Malnutrition (can lead to loss of muscle and bone density [osteoporosis] resulting in dry, brittle bones) Severe dehydration, which can result in kidney failure and chemical imbalances (can lead to seizures, irregular heartbeats and possibly heart failure [disabled-world.com]
Workup
Serum
- Hypochloremia
Patients with chronic emesis and use of cathartics present with classic metabolic disturbance: hypokalemia, hypochloremia, and metabolic alkalosis. [acphospitalist.org]
Treatment
Psychoeducational principles in treatment. In: Garner D.M., Garfinkel P.E. (Eds.) Handbook of treatment for Eating Disorders. New York, Guilford, 1997, pp. 145–174. Google Scholar 6. [link.springer.com]
With its emphasis on treatment strategies, this text can be used by practitioners as well as by professors in the classroom in introductory courses in addictions or in subsequent courses that focus on treatment strategies. [books.google.com]
Disorders Diabulimia Treatment Programs Inpatient Eating Disorder Treatment Residential Eating Disorder Treatment Partial Hospitalization Eating Disorder Treatment Intensive Outpatient Eating Disorder Treatment Virtual PHP and IOP Programs Adult LGBTQ [waldeneatingdisorders.com]
For severe cases, inpatient treatment is needed to effectively address the behaviors associated with bulimia. What Happens in Bulimia Inpatient Treatment? The most important part of inpatient treatment is getting you medically stable. [bulimia.com]
Prognosis
Personality variables ( i.e., perfectionism) may influence or be a consequence of anorexia nervosa. 109 Prognosis is improved with early detection and intervention. [www150.statcan.gc.ca]
Both are illnesses of the lung with cough and fever, but each will have a slightly different natural history, treatment, and, sometimes, prognosis. [kartiniclinic.com]
Prognosis: 1. The expected course of a disease. 2. The patient's chance of recovery. The prognosis predicts the outcome of a disease and therefore the future for the patient. His prognosis is grim, for example, while hers is good. [psychologistanywhereanytime.com]
[…] changes in nerve & muscle function � Low blood pressure � Slow heart rate � Kidney & gastrointestinal problems � Bone mass declines � Skin dry & nails brittle � Hair loss � Death from life-threatening illness or suicide Eating Disorders - Anorexia Nervosa Prognosis [www2.hawaii.edu]
Prognosis The outcome for individuals with eating disorders can be described by the rule of thirds. One-third of individuals improve, do well, and lead normal lives. [acphospitalist.org]
Etiology
Often accompanied by: depressed mood, anxiety, substance abuse (esp. stimulants), suicide, illegal behavior (esp. stealing) � Physical consequences of purging i.e. electrolytes, irritation of stomach and intestines, loss of dental enamel, amenorrhea Etiology [www2.hawaii.edu]
Etiology of Binge Eating: Biological mechanisms. In: Fairburn C.G., Wilson G.T. (Eds.) Binge Eating. Nature, Assessment and Treatment. New York, Guilford, 1993, pp. 206–224. [link.springer.com]
Frequent vomiting has been reported to cause swelling of the salivary glands in approximately 8 percent of patients with bulimia nervosa. 20 The exact etiology is unknown. [aafp.org]
Epidemiology
"Epidemiological studies on adverse dieting behaviours and eating disorders among young people in Hungary". Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology. 39 (8): 647–54. doi:10.1007/s00127-004-0783-z. PMID 15300375. [en.wikipedia.org]
In disease epidemiology, the incidence is the number of newly diagnosed cases during a specific time period. The incidence is distinct from the prevalence which refers to the number of cases alive on a certain date. [psychologistanywhereanytime.com]
Smink FR, van Hoeken D, Hoek HW. epidemiology of eating disorders: incidence, prevalence and mortality rates. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2012; 14:406–414. Carter JC, Mercer-Lynn KB, Norwood SJ, et al. [clevelandclinicmeded.com]
The inclusion of BED as a formal diagnosis in DSM-5, along with reference to its epidemiology in the accompanying text, will, it is hoped, go some way to redressing this problem. [jeatdisord.biomedcentral.com]
Child sexual abuse and later disordered eating: a New Zealand epidemiological study. Int J Eat Disord, Vol. 29(4):380-92. Raffi AR, et al. Life events and prodromal symptoms in bulimia nervosa. Psychol Med, vol. 30(3):727-31. Webster JJ, et al. [consumer.healthday.com]
Pathophysiology
The “pathophysiologic model” suggests that brain chemistry causes the disorder. [bulimiaguide.org]
The research in this field is continuously evolving, as is the current knowledge of pathophysiology, clinical recognition and inpatient management of NI and eating disorders. [acphospitalist.org]
Back to Top Pathophysiology and Natural History Biologic and psychosocial factors are implicated in the pathophysiology of eating disorders, but the underlying causes and mechanisms remain unknown. 7,18,19 Biologic Factors First–degree female relatives [clevelandclinicmeded.com]
“Eating disorders: clinical features and pathophysiology”. Physiol. Behav. 81 (2): 359–74.doi:10.1016/j.physbeh.2004.02.009. PMID 15159176 6. Douglas Harper (November 2001). “Online Etymology Dictionary: bulimia“.Online Etymology Dictionary. [mirror-mirror.org]
Prevention
He or she may be in a good position to identify early indicators of an eating disorder and help prevent its development. [mayoclinic.org]
Laxative and enema abuse Laxatives are medications used to treat or prevent constipation and are often inappropriately used to rid the body of calories of food. [centerfordiscovery.com]
Nonpurging bulimics use other compensatory behaviors including fasting and excessive exercise to prevent weight gain. The causes of bulimia nervosa are unclear. [ohioline.osu.edu]
Prevention of bulimia Preventive measures to reduce the incidence of bulimia are not known at this time. [stanfordchildrens.org]