Bulimia Nervosa

What is Bulimia Nervosa

A mental health condition relating to the disturbance of eating 🍓

Episodes of binge eating followed by purging (i.e. vomiting)

Risk factors: being female, adolescent (10-19), other mental health problems, society’s ideals, family history 👩


What are the Symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa

Binge eating (consuming excessive food & loss of control) 🍰

Distortion of body image

Anxiety/fear around food & weight gain 🍴

Feelings of guilt/shame

Excessive behaviour (e.g. vomiting, fasting) 🤮

Bloating/abdominal pain/sore throat


How do you Diagnose Bulimia Nervosa

Patient symptoms & history

Medical assessment (questionnaire) 📋

General examination 🔍

Blood tests (e.g. creatinine, electrolytes)

Electrocardiogram (ECG)


How do you Treat Bulimia Nervosa

Referral to specialists & mental health services 🏥

Monitoring/support & therapy


Why should I Worry about Bulimia Nervosa

Can severely affect mental health

Social & relationship difficulties 👫

If untreated can have serious complications (e.g. teeth rotting, heart conditions, depression) 💔


About the author

The i-medics Editorial Team consists of Doctors, Medical Students, Professional Content writers, i-medics Ambassadors and Freelance workers.