Skip to content

Early Bird Registration Ends on Friday, September 29th

What Is Bulimia Nervosa?

Signs, Symptoms & Treatments

Bulimia (clinically known as bulimia nervosa) is the repeated cycle of out-of-control eating followed by some form of purging. The purging associated with bulimia may take many forms: self-induced vomiting, excessive use of laxatives or diuretics, or obsessive exercising. People with bulimia often feel out of control in many areas of their lives. Affecting all races and genders, individuals with bulimia commonly experience co-occurring psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use.

Is It Really an Eating Disorder?

We live in a culture with rigid ideals about food, weight and size, so it can be difficult to recognize when your thoughts and behaviors have become dangerous. Take a quiz and find out.

Bulimia Warning Signs

Bulimia can have serious medical consequences including dental and esophageal problems, kidney damage, chemical imbalance, and an overall loss of energy and vitality. It is a serious eating disorder and can be fatal. Key signs you or someone you know may be struggling with bulimia include:

  • Engaging in binge eating and cannot voluntarily stop
  • Frequent use of the bathroom after meals
  • Reacting to emotional stress by overeating or purging
  • Feelings of guilt or shame regarding eating
  • Feeling out of control

How to Help Someone With Bulimia

Individuals with eating disorders deserve and require professional evaluation, diagnosis and treatment. Parents, family or friends—in collaboration with a mental health professional—can play an active and essential role in restoring healthy eating. Reach out to a Renfrew Program Information Specialist to schedule a FREE assessment or to learn more about our services.

Thinking About Treatment?

Effectively Treating Bulimia

Recovery means much more than just stopping dieting, restricting, binge eating, and purging. It also means identifying the patterns, thoughts, behaviors, and emotions that underlie disordered eating – and working to build emotional tolerance so that individuals no longer need eating disorder symptoms as a means of coping.

Reach Out to Us

Call 1-800-RENFREW (736-3739)

Talk with a Program Information Specialist at the number above to learn more about our
services and to schedule an assessment. Or, fill out the information below and we will contact you.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.