What is Bulimarexia:
Bulimarexia, an eating disorder that is characterized by binge eating followed by self-induced vomiting or abuse of cathartic or diuretic drugs, has been defined as both a sequela of anorexia nervosa and a distinct eating disorder.
Bulimarexia is very similar to bulimia. One who suffers from bulimarexia, in a way, suffers from anorexia and bulimia. For a period of one week to one month, he/she will fast, diet, or eat very little. Then, when they feel as though they cannot deprive themselves any longer, they will over-indulge on the foods they�ve been avoiding. But, this indulgence is severe, and lasts for about 2 hours. It is followed by self-induced vomiting, the misuse of laxatives, diuretics, enemas, fasting, and/or excessive exercise. Once completed, the victim returns to his/her diet routine.
Because bulimarexia is commonly practiced in secrecy, its presentation may be in the form of one of its medical complications. Therefore, physicians must know the behavioral components of bulimarexia and its potential medical hazards. Optimal care of these patients requires collaborative efforts from a physician and behavioral therapist.
Bulimarexia is believed to be a psychological and emotional disorder. However, there are studies that claim that bulimarexia and its relatives are caused by heredity and chemical imbalances in the body. In many cases, medication will alleviated the binge-purge behavior, the feelings of anxiety and loss of control, and the blanket of depression. However, the underlying reasons for most bulimarexics are a complex mix of low self-esteem, childhood conflicts and cultural pressures.
Bulimarexia in the early stages, will raise self-esteem when it provides someone with a way to be successful, in this case at achieving the cultural ideal of thinness. Indeed, many individuals turn to purging when they feel they have failed at a diet, and are faced with the fear that there is no other way for they to loose weight. Once the bingeing and purging cycle begins, however, the resulting metabolic imbalances and habitual escape become an ever-deepening pit, eventually eroding any initial sense of self- worth and control.
Most bulimarexics come from dysfunctional homes in which the emotional, physical, or spiritual needs of family members are not met. In many of these households, feelings are not verbally expressed. There may be a history of depression, alcoholism, drug abuse, or eating disorders. In this context, food becomes a �good girl�s� drug, something which does not have the negative connotations of alcohol or drug abuse.
Bulimarexics often use their disordered eating to postpone growing up. The child who has looked to others for validation and feelings of self-worth and who has assumed a �perfect little girl� role because it works at home may experience tremendous fear at having to trust herself and face the outside world alone. This insecurity is sometimes unconsciously reinforced by parents who also do not want to let go, or who have related to their children within the confines of a role and not as individuals.
Bulimarexics tend to be overly judgmental of themselves and others, have difficulty expressing emotions through language, fear criticism, avoid disagreements, and have low self-esteem � all traits which make having relationships with others difficult. Many bulimarexics state that they are uncomfortable with intimate relationships, and that bulimarexia was the reliable ally. Many bulimarexics have a history of sexual abuse, and have difficulty trusting others. In this way, the bulimarexic rituals and thoughts protected them from what might be rejection, abandonment, or other potential pain.
Bingeing and purging are both very harmful to the body. Bingeing causes abnormal stretching or even ruptures of the stomach, but purging is usually the more dangerous activity. Self-induced vomiting causes irritation or laceration of the esophagus, aspiration pneumonia if the vomitus is inhaled, and an imbalance of electrolytes that can lead to heart failure or other complications.
The salivary glands can swell, giving the bulimarexic puffy-looking cheeks. The continual exposure to stomach acid causes tooth enamel to erode, giving teeth a ragged �moth-eaten� look, and an increased number of dental cavities is also likely. Bulimarexics who induce vomiting also often end up spending thousand of dollars getting their teeth capped. Excessive vomiting can cause death by cardiac arrest, kidney failure, heart arrhythmia due to electrolyte imbalance, or severe dehydration.
Other serious side effects include digestive disorders, amenorrhea, malnutrition, anemia, blisters, internal bleeding, hypoglycemia, and icy hands and feet.
Habitual use of Ipecac, a drug used to induce vomiting, can destroy cardiac fibers, leading to heart dysfunction or failure. Chronic use of laxatives may destroy the protective mucus from the intestinal lining, which can result in bowel infections.
In extreme cases, the gut may become paralyzed, and unable to produce contractions. Dehydration and fluid imbalances can also occur with the same side effects. Laxative abusers often experience rectal pain, gas, constipation, diarrhea (or both), and bowel tumors. Some final health consequences include vitamin and mineral deficiencies, chronic kidney problems, sinus infections, menstrual irregularities, and broken blood vessels in the eyes or face.