Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsPsychotherapyMedicationSurgery and Invasive ProceduresCAM & OTCMaking Your Treatment Effective

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Psychotherapy

Medication

Surgery and Invasive Procedures

CAM & OTC

Making Your Treatment Effective

Bulimia DiagnosisTo receive an official diagnosis of bulimia, the episodes of binging and purging must occur weekly for at least three months. This disorder typically begins to present itself in the pre-teen years and is most commonly diagnosed in females. However, males can also develop bulimia, and it is crucial to check for symptoms regardless of gender.

Bulimia Diagnosis

To receive an official diagnosis of bulimia, the episodes of binging and purging must occur weekly for at least three months. This disorder typically begins to present itself in the pre-teen years and is most commonly diagnosed in females. However, males can also develop bulimia, and it is crucial to check for symptoms regardless of gender.

Symptoms of bulimia are oftensomatic-basedand result from the bodily trauma resulting from constant binging and purging. The most common symptoms include sore throat, sensitive teeth, worn tooth enamel, intestinal irritation, and severe dehydration.

The most studied and recommended treatments includepsychotherapyandmedication. Mental health professionals can offer these two treatments in tandem in residential inpatient programs.

However, other treatment options, including brain stimulation techniques and complementary treatment modalities, may not be discussed as often. This article will review each of these treatments in detail.

What Is Bulimia?

Below discusses the types of therapy that can help treat bulimia.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)is the preferred psychotherapy modality for those experiencing bulimia due to its strong evidence-based background.

CBT is a form of talk therapy that supports patients in identifying negative thinking patterns and challenging these thought patterns to ultimately break maladaptive behavior and beliefs. CBT can curb the triggers associated with episodes of binging and purging, leading to a decreased likelihood of relapsing.

Interpersonal Psychotherapy

Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT)is another recommended form of talk therapy. This brief evidence-based treatment explores social and interpersonal factors that prevent recovery from eating disorders.

IPT will focus on the interpersonal stressors impacting the client that, in turn, lead to episodes of binging and purging. The aim of IPT is to encourage the individual to createlifestyle changesthat are supportive of their recovery.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Eating Disorders

Medicationmay be prescribed to treat bulimia.Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)are the most effective in reducing symptoms.

Common SSRIs include:

FDA-Approved MedicationFluoxetine, however, is the only bulimia medication that has received FDA approval.

FDA-Approved Medication

Fluoxetine, however, is the only bulimia medication that has received FDA approval.

Topiramate is an anti-epileptic medication used off-label to treat bulimia. It has shown some success in minimizing binge episodes. Despite this success, it is important to note the side effects. For example,cognitive functioningimpairment and weight loss can outweigh the benefits that taking this medication can bring.

Treating Medical Complications

Due to the nature of this disorder, medical complications tend to arise when treating bulimia. Dehydration is a common concern for those experiencing bulimia, for which saline in an IV drip is administered.

Constipation can also result from excessive binging and purging or detoxing from laxatives. More holistic support like staying hydrated, getting some physical movement in, and eating dietary fiber will be suggested to maintain bowel regularity.

What to Know About Eating Disorders

While surgery and invasive procedures to treat bulimia are rare, they still exist. Below is one type of treatment that is sometimes used to treat bulimia.

Deep Brain Stimulation

Deep brain stimulation, a treatment that utilizes a surgically placed device to stimulate the brain, has been considered for treating bulimia. However, this therapy is still in its early stages, and while there is hope for this being a beneficial treatment, the clinical trials still leave much to be desired.

What Are Compensatory Behaviors in People with Eating Disorders?

Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) and Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Some complementary alternative medicines can be quite supportive in treating bulimia. However, they must be used in addition to, not in place of, other forms of clinically-proven treatment.

Yoga

For example, a recent study shows thatyogacan be quite helpful in treating some of the disturbances that trigger eating disorder episodes, like symptoms of anxiety, depression, and body image disturbance.

In this study, no significant changes to body mass index were indicated, makingyogasafe for those who need to gain weight.

Other CAM Therapies

The following CAM therapies require further research to prove efficacy, but they have potential:

You Cannot Rely on CAM Therapies AloneAgain, it is imperative to remember that these protocols will not work independently. A treatment plan including psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle options will be needed in addition to complementary alternative medicine therapies to treat bulimia.

You Cannot Rely on CAM Therapies Alone

Again, it is imperative to remember that these protocols will not work independently. A treatment plan including psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle options will be needed in addition to complementary alternative medicine therapies to treat bulimia.

Eating Disorder Recovery: 12 Tips to Aid in the Process

How to Make Your Treatment Most Effective

The most effective treatments include lifestyle changes, a robust support system, and a well-rounded treatment team. Moving through treatment for bulimia can be challenging, but recovery is possible. Here are some tips:

Even though healing is hard, it can and will change the trajectory of your life. Your well-being is worth it.

7 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Jain A, Yilanli M.Bulimia nervosa. Treasure Island, FL. StatPearls Publishing; 2022.National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).Eating disorders.Murphy R, Straebler S, Cooper Z, Fairburn CG.Cognitive behavioral therapy for eating disorders.Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2010;33(3):611-627. doi: 10.1016/j.psc.2010.04.004Karam AM, Fitzsimmons-Craft EE, Tanofsky-Kraff M, Wilfley DE.Interpersonal psychotherapy and the treatment of eating disorders.Psychiatr Clin North Am.2019;42(2):205-218. doi: 10.1016/j.psc.2019.01.003Duriez P, Bou Khalil R, Chamoun Y, et al.Brain stimulation in eating disorders: state of the art and future perspectives.J Clin Med. 2020;9(8):2358. doi: 10.3390/jcm9082358Fogarty, S, Smith, CA, Hay P.The role of complementary and alternative medicine in the treatment of eating disorders: A systematic review.Eating Behaviors. 2016;21:179-188. doi: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2016.03.002Hall A, Ofei-Tenkorang NA, Machan JT, Gordon CM.Use of yoga in outpatient eating disorder treatment: a pilot study.J. Eat. Disord. 2016;4(1):38. doi: 10.1186/s40337-016-0130-2

7 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Jain A, Yilanli M.Bulimia nervosa. Treasure Island, FL. StatPearls Publishing; 2022.National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).Eating disorders.Murphy R, Straebler S, Cooper Z, Fairburn CG.Cognitive behavioral therapy for eating disorders.Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2010;33(3):611-627. doi: 10.1016/j.psc.2010.04.004Karam AM, Fitzsimmons-Craft EE, Tanofsky-Kraff M, Wilfley DE.Interpersonal psychotherapy and the treatment of eating disorders.Psychiatr Clin North Am.2019;42(2):205-218. doi: 10.1016/j.psc.2019.01.003Duriez P, Bou Khalil R, Chamoun Y, et al.Brain stimulation in eating disorders: state of the art and future perspectives.J Clin Med. 2020;9(8):2358. doi: 10.3390/jcm9082358Fogarty, S, Smith, CA, Hay P.The role of complementary and alternative medicine in the treatment of eating disorders: A systematic review.Eating Behaviors. 2016;21:179-188. doi: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2016.03.002Hall A, Ofei-Tenkorang NA, Machan JT, Gordon CM.Use of yoga in outpatient eating disorder treatment: a pilot study.J. Eat. Disord. 2016;4(1):38. doi: 10.1186/s40337-016-0130-2

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Jain A, Yilanli M.Bulimia nervosa. Treasure Island, FL. StatPearls Publishing; 2022.National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).Eating disorders.Murphy R, Straebler S, Cooper Z, Fairburn CG.Cognitive behavioral therapy for eating disorders.Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2010;33(3):611-627. doi: 10.1016/j.psc.2010.04.004Karam AM, Fitzsimmons-Craft EE, Tanofsky-Kraff M, Wilfley DE.Interpersonal psychotherapy and the treatment of eating disorders.Psychiatr Clin North Am.2019;42(2):205-218. doi: 10.1016/j.psc.2019.01.003Duriez P, Bou Khalil R, Chamoun Y, et al.Brain stimulation in eating disorders: state of the art and future perspectives.J Clin Med. 2020;9(8):2358. doi: 10.3390/jcm9082358Fogarty, S, Smith, CA, Hay P.The role of complementary and alternative medicine in the treatment of eating disorders: A systematic review.Eating Behaviors. 2016;21:179-188. doi: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2016.03.002Hall A, Ofei-Tenkorang NA, Machan JT, Gordon CM.Use of yoga in outpatient eating disorder treatment: a pilot study.J. Eat. Disord. 2016;4(1):38. doi: 10.1186/s40337-016-0130-2

Jain A, Yilanli M.Bulimia nervosa. Treasure Island, FL. StatPearls Publishing; 2022.

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).Eating disorders.

Murphy R, Straebler S, Cooper Z, Fairburn CG.Cognitive behavioral therapy for eating disorders.Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2010;33(3):611-627. doi: 10.1016/j.psc.2010.04.004

Karam AM, Fitzsimmons-Craft EE, Tanofsky-Kraff M, Wilfley DE.Interpersonal psychotherapy and the treatment of eating disorders.Psychiatr Clin North Am.2019;42(2):205-218. doi: 10.1016/j.psc.2019.01.003

Duriez P, Bou Khalil R, Chamoun Y, et al.Brain stimulation in eating disorders: state of the art and future perspectives.J Clin Med. 2020;9(8):2358. doi: 10.3390/jcm9082358

Fogarty, S, Smith, CA, Hay P.The role of complementary and alternative medicine in the treatment of eating disorders: A systematic review.Eating Behaviors. 2016;21:179-188. doi: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2016.03.002

Hall A, Ofei-Tenkorang NA, Machan JT, Gordon CM.Use of yoga in outpatient eating disorder treatment: a pilot study.J. Eat. Disord. 2016;4(1):38. doi: 10.1186/s40337-016-0130-2

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