Bulimia is an eating disorder characterized by episodes of bingeing and purging. Bulimia can result in severe dangers and have unwanted long-term effects on your physical and mental health. It’s essential to get professional help if you are struggling with bulimia or any other eating disorder. Call 940.360.4245 to speak with someone from Connections Wellness Group today about bulimia treatment in any of our mental health centers in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas.
What Is Bulimia?
Eating disorders are a group of conditions characterized by disturbed eating patterns and extreme preoccupation with food and weight. Eating disorders typically develop in response to psychological problems such as low self-esteem, anxiety, or depression. At first, the behavior is voluntary, but over time it can become an obsession for the individual. Many people who struggle with eating disorders will go to extreme lengths to control their food intake, even at the expense of their health.
As mentioned earlier, bulimia is an eating disorder characterized by episodes of binge eating followed by purging. People struggling with bulimia may go through periods where they eat large amounts of food in a short amount of time, then try to compensate for the overeating by self-induced vomiting, laxative or diuretic abuse, fasting, or excessive exercise.
What Are the Long-Term Side Effects of Bulimia?
Bulimia can have serious long-term effects on your physical and mental health.
Physical Dangers of Bulimia
Physically, chronic purging can cause electrolyte imbalances leading to heart failure and other cardiovascular problems. However, this is only one of the many dangers of bulimia. This eating disorder can also cause:
- Damage to the teeth, gums, and throat from repeated vomiting
- Dehydration and malnutrition
- Gastrointestinal issues such as acid reflux
- Hormonal imbalances
Overall, bulimia can weaken an immune system and make a person more susceptible to illnesses and infections.
Mental Dangers of Bulimia
In addition to the physical dangers, bulimia can have serious mental health consequences—such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and suicidal thoughts or attempts. Additionally, people with bulimia may suffer from social isolation due to their preoccupation with food and weight. If suicidal ideation is a consistent effect of bulimia, intensive treatment and medical supervision may be necessary to keep a patient safe.
Sometimes, people struggling with bulimia may develop another diagnosable mental health disorder—such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), an anxiety disorder, or a depressive disorder—and experience anxiety and depression not as symptoms but as full-on conditions. In dual diagnosis cases like this, getting professional help and treatment for the eating disorder and any other underlying mental health condition is vital.
What to Expect from Bulimia Treatment
If you are struggling with bulimia, it is essential to get professional help. Connections Wellness Group offers specialized treatment for eating disorders such as bulimia using evidence-based therapies tailored to meet each patient’s needs, such as:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Family therapy
Sometimes, bulimia treatment plans can also include medication to help manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, or OCD. These therapies help patients identify and replace unhealthy eating behavior with healthier coping skills. Our skilled and highly qualified clinicians have extensive experience in treating eating disorders and are dedicated to helping patients on the road to recovery.
Find Bulimia Treatment in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas with Connections Wellness Group
If you or a loved one is struggling with bulimia, it’s essential to seek professional help as soon as possible. Connections Wellness Group offers comprehensive mental health services for patients with eating disorders like bulimia. Contact Connections Wellness Group today at 940.360.4245 to learn more about the dangers of bulimia and how we can help you or your loved one overcome the eating disorder in any of our mental health centers in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas.
