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Behind Bulimia: Causes and Risk Factors for Bulimia Nervosa
On the surface, bulimia nervosa can be greatly misunderstood, as this disease is often stigmatized and misinterpreted. The reality is that bulimia nervosa is a severe psychiatric illness, one that can be potentially fatal if not intervened with professional eating disorder treatments.
Research statistics have found an estimated 3.9 percent mortality rate for bulimia nervosa, with a higher incidence of suicide among affected individuals [1].
These findings highlight the severity of bulimia nervosa, as well as the public health significance of these psychiatric illnesses. Understanding the potential causes and risk factors for bulimia nervosa can be helpful for early identification and treatment interventions.
Risk Factors For Eating Disorders
When it comes down to it, there is no single factor that can be responsible for the development of eating disorders like bulimia nervosa.
Research statistics indicate that the combination of multiple components can increase a person’s susceptibility to bulimia nervosa, including biological factors, such as genetics, neurochemical imbalance, and neurobiology, and environmental stressors, like exposure to trauma and/or abuse [2]. Other psychological and emotional issues can also serve as triggers in a person who is predisposed to having an eating disorder, such as an anxiety disorder, depression and/or low self-esteem.
The nature of our culture that is hyperfocused on thin-ideal internalization and general social pressure for thinness can also serve as a trigger for susceptible individuals. Other risk factors that have been identified for bulimia nervosa include substance abuse (including alcohol), feelings of inadequacy, experiencing early puberty, having too little to eat during childhood, psychiatric symptoms, and low interoceptive awareness [2].
Identifying Early Warning Signs of Bulimia Nervosa
The important thing to understand is that every person who struggle with bulimia nervosa has a unique situation that potentially contributed to the development of this eating disorder. Any combination of biological, psychological, social, and interpersonal risk factors can contribute to bulimia nervosa, and understanding early warning signs can help with recognition.
Bulimia is characterized by recurrent binging episodes, followed by purging in attempt to compensate for the binge. A person struggling with bulimia may struggle with feelings of guilt or shame about eating, experience depression and irritability, or withdraw from family and friends, especially after meals.
Recognizing these changes and seeking out early treatment interventions can significantly improve the prognosis for those suffering with bulimia nervosa. As a person works through the treatment process, understanding some of the potential causes and influencing factors can help personalize treatment approaches for comprehensive care, including medical/nutrition care, psychotherapy, and medication management.
Sponsored by Magnolia Creek
Peacefully nestled in 36 wooded acres and located just outside of Birmingham, Alabama, Magnolia Creek Treatment Center for Eating Disorders treats women (18 years and older) who struggle with eating disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, attachment disorders, dissociative disorders, personality disorders, and co-occurring addictive behaviors. Magnolia Creek’s phenomenal team of therapists, doctors, nurses, and dietitians is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care using current research-supported methods in a cozy, retreat-like setting. With a dual license to treat eating disorders and mental health disorders, we work collaboratively with our clients to create an individualized treatment approach for each client that not only nourishes the body but also strengthens the spirit.
About the Author: Linda Smith is the Chief Executive Officer of Magnolia Creek Treatment Center for Eating Disorders in Columbiana, Alabama. Prior to joining Magnolia Creek, Linda served as an Electronic Interchange Consultant for Comprehensive Radiology Groups throughout the state.
She also worked with one of the leading facilities in addiction, Pine Grove Behavioral Health and Addiction Services located in Hattiesburg, MS. She has extensive experience in inpatient, outpatient, residential and partial hospitalization treatment, and is well versed in eating disorders, co-occurring mental health disorders, substance abuse, and love and sex addiction.
References:
[1]: National Eating Disorder Association, Walter Kaye, MD, “Mortality and Eating Disorders”, https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/mortality-and-eating-disorders Accessed 21 June 2017[2]: National Eating Disorder Association, “Factors That May Contribute to Eating Disorders – Risk Factors”, https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/factors-may-contribute-eating-disorders Accessed 21 June 2017
The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Published on July 5, 2017.
Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on July 5, 2017.
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com
