Diet and purging disorder.
What are purging disorders?
Purging disorders are a type of eating disorder in which people try to get rid of the calories they have eaten by self-induced vomiting, using laxatives or diuretics, or excessive exercise. People with purging disorders think they are overweight, even when they are not. They are obsessed with their weight and body shape and are driven to lose weight by any means necessary.
What are the different types of purging disorders?
The most common type of purging disorder is bulimia nervosa. People with bulimia nervosa binge eat, meaning they eat a large amount of food in a short period of time. They then purge, which means they get rid of the calories they have eaten by self-induced vomiting, using laxatives or diuretics, or excessive exercise. Binge eating followed by purging is also known as the “binge-purge cycle.”
Another type of purging disorder is purging disorder without bulimia nervosa. People with this disorder do not binge eat, but they still purge after eating. They may purge to prevent weight gain or to shape their body the way they want.
What are the signs and symptoms of purging disorders?
The signs and symptoms of purging disorders can include:
• Eating large amounts of food in a short period of time
• Going to the bathroom immediately after meals
• Excessive exercise
• Laxative abuse
• Diuretic abuse
• Self-induced vomiting
• Dehydration
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Headaches
What are the causes of purging disorders?
The exact cause of purging disorders is unknown, but there are several theories. Purging disorders may be caused by a combination of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors.
Biological factors:
Some experts believe that purging disorders may be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. This chemical imbalance may be caused by genetics or other factors.
Psychological factors:
People with purging disorders often have low self-esteem and are overly concerned with their weight and body shape. They may diet often or become obsessed with food and exercise. This obsession can lead to the development of a purging disorder.
Sociocultural factors:
Some experts believe that purging disorders are more common in societies that value thinness. In our society, thinness is often seen as a sign of beauty and success. This pressure to be thin can lead to the development of a purging disorder.
What are the complications of purging disorders?
Purging disorders can lead to a number of serious complications, including:
• Dehydration
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Kidney damage
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Heart problems
• Tooth decay
• Bone loss
How are purging disorders treated?
Treatment for purging disorders generally includes a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and nutritional counseling.
Psychotherapy:
Psychotherapy can help people with purging disorders understand and change the thought patterns and behaviors that are contributing to their disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that has been shown to be particularly effective in the treatment of purging disorders.
Medication:
There are no FDA-approved medications specifically for the treatment of purging disorders. However, medications can be used to treat some of the symptoms of purging disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
Nutritional counseling:
People with purging disorders often have distorted views about food and nutrition. Nutritional counseling can help people with purging disorders develop a healthy relationship with food.
What is the long-term outlook for people with purging disorders?
With treatment, most people with purging disorders make a full recovery. However, purging disorders are associated with a high relapse rate. People with purging disorders often need to continue treatment for a long period of time to prevent relapse..Site link
How is purging disorder diagnosed?
Purging disorder is a mental disorder characterized by a distorted body image and an intense fear of gaining weight. People with purging disorder often engage in self-induced vomiting or the misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas.
Purging disorder is sometimes difficult to diagnose because it often occurs in people who also have anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. People with purging disorder often deny that they have a problem and may be reluctant to seek treatment.
There is no one test that can diagnose purging disorder. A diagnosis is typically made based on a comprehensive mental health assessment that includes a medical history, a psychological evaluation, and a physical examination.
Laboratory tests may be ordered to rule out other medical conditions that could be causing the symptoms. These tests may include blood tests, urine tests, and imaging studies.
Treatment for purging disorder typically includes psychotherapy, medication, and nutritional counseling.
Visit mengeredstoo.co.uk to learn more about purging disorder. Disclaimer: We used this website as a reference for this blog post.