What is purging disorder?
Purging disorder (PD) is classified as an eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS) in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V). PD is characterized by the repeated use of compensatory behaviors after eating or drinking in order to prevent weight gain. These behaviors include self-induced vomiting, use of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas.
People with PD often have a distorted body image and are fixated on being thin. They may be preoccupied with food and their weight, and often diet or restrict their intake of food. People with PD often have a history of yo-yo dieting, and may be cycles of bingeing and purging.
PD can have serious medical complications, including electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, heart arrhythmias, and in severe cases, heart failure. PD can also lead to Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is a chronic condition that can cause damage to the esophagus.
Treatment for PD typically includes a combination of individual, group, and family therapy, as well as psychiatric medications. Treatment is aimed at helping the person with PD develop a healthy relationship with food and their body, and learn coping and problem-solving skills..Original source
The causes of purging disorder.
Purging refers to the act of deliberately vomiting or using laxatives to rid the body of food or calories consumed. People with purging disorder, also known as purging disorder with good insight, have a distorted body image and see their weight or shape as larger than it actually is. This leads them to believe that they need to purge in order to avoid becoming overweight.
There are several possible explanations for why someone might develop purging disorder. One theory suggests that it may be a form of self-medication for people who are struggling with depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues. Purging provides a temporary sense of relief from these difficult emotions. Unfortunately, it is not a long-term solution and can actually make mental health problems worse.
Another explanation for purging disorder is that it may be a way to cope with a traumatic event or stressful situation. For example, someone who was sexually abused as a child may use purging as a way to try to control their body and their environment. Unfortunately, this only leads to further feelings of powerlessness and can worsen the individual’s mental health.
It is also possible that purging disorder is a learned behavior. If someone sees another person purging, they may be more likely to do it themselves. This is particularly true if the person purging is someone the individual looks up to, such as a friend or family member.
Whatever the cause, purging disorder is a serious problem that can have severe physical and mental health consequences. If you or someone you know is struggling with purging, it is important to seek professional help. With treatment, it is possible to recover from purging disorder and live a healthy and fulfilling life.
Visit mengeredstoo.co.uk to learn more about purging disorder. Disclaimer: We used this website as a reference for this blog post.