Bulimia Nervosa (BN) is an eating disorder that is recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Like all eating disorders, BN does not discriminate. It can affect folks of all ages, races, and gender.
Bulimia Nervosa DSM-5
To be formally diagnosed with BN based on the DSM-5, an individual must engage in binge episodes and compensatory behaviours (purging) at least once a week, for a minimum of three months. When folks display some of the criteria, but not all – they are usually diagnosed with “OSFED” or Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder.
For example, if your child engages in binge-purge cycles at a lower frequency (less than once a week) or for a limited time (less than three months at a time) – they would be diagnosed with OSFED. This is just as serious, and should be treated with the same urgency as BN.
What Are Binge Episodes?
There are times where we all eat food in higher quantities than we require. We may eat larger quantities because we enjoy a particular food or because it is a holiday. This is not considered a binge episode. A binge episode is when someone feels a loss of control over eating, and eats a larger quantity than most people would in a similar time-frame and scenario.
Bulimia Nervosa Statistics
Teens living with bulimia typically consume two times the amount their peers would consume in the same situation when they are engaging in a binge episode.
What Are Compensatory Behaviours?
Folks living with BN may engage in compensatory behaviours to try and prevent weight gain. Examples of compensatory behaviours include self-induced vomiting, fasting, excessive exercise, and laxative and diuretic misuse. These compensatory behaviours can also be referred to as purging. Each of these compensatory behaviours can cause serious medical complications. We will explore the possible medical complications that may be caused by these behaviours later on in this blog post.
Bulimia Nervosa Signs and Symptoms
There are several possible warning signs that could indicate your child is struggling with BN. However, it is important to recognize that BN impacts each individual uniquely and your child may present with one or more of the warning signs below. The media often portrays folks living with eating disorders as having rapid weight loss. This is not an accurate portrayal of all eating disorders. Folks living with BN may not present with weight loss which can make it trickier to detect.
Here is a list of signs that your child may present with if they are living with BN:
- Your child may alternate through periods of strict dieting and overeating
- You child may engage in self-induced vomiting – you may see signs of vomiting in the bathroom such as the odor of vomit
- Your child may exercise excessively
- Your child may purchase or steal large quantities of food
- You may notice large quantities of food missing from your kitchen – especially high-carbohydrate foods
- Your child may purchase laxatives or diuretics
- You child may have cuts or marks on the back of their knuckles and fingers from using their fingers to self-induce vomiting
What is “Bulimia Face”?
Another sign of BN you may have heard of is a swollen face. In the media this is sometimes referred to as a “bulimia face”. At Change Creates Change, we do not use this term.
If your child is living with BN, they may self-induce vomiting to purge the food they have consumed. If they regularly engage in self-induced vomiting and then suddenly stop, their salivary glands may swell. This is what can cause your child’s cheeks to look swollen. A swollen face is not a permanent side effect of BN. This side effect will go away if your child stops self-inducing vomiting. However, if your child begins to self-induce vomiting again, this side effect can reappear.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Bulimia?
BN can cause long-term complications. It can lead to low bone density, heart complications, dental issues, acid reflux, kidney complications, and digestive issues. Each of these complications can negatively impact your child’s life.
How to Help a Teenager Living With Bulimia
As with all eating disorders, early intervention gives us the highest chance of success in recovery. It can help to reduce the long-term complications your child experiences from living with their eating disorder. If you suspect your child is living with BN, you should seek help from a medical professional right away.
Change Creates Change is here to help both you and your child through the recovery process. Click below to schedule a free consultation call with us.
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