Bulimia Nervosa & Binge Eating Disorder

What is Bulimia Nervosa? 

Bulimia Nervosa is a behavioral disorder characterized recurrent episodes of binge eating. To make the diagnosis of Bulimia Nervosa, there must be recurrent and inappropriate compensatory behaviors that occur to prevent weight gain from the episodes of binge eating. These behaviors may include self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, diuretics or weight loss medications, fasting or excessive exercise. The binge eating and compensatory behaviors must occur on average, once per week for at least 3 months. Individuals with Bulimia Nervosa often evaluate themselves based on their body shape and weight. This condition can cause the individual to have a great deal of emotional distress, and it can also cause significant physical ailments and medical problems.

What is Binge Eating Disorder (BED)?

Binge eating is characterized by:

• Eating an amount of food, during a discrete period of time (for example, over a 2 hour period), that is significantly larger than what most individuals would eat, during a similar period of time, and under similar circumstances
• There is an associated sense of a lack of control over eating during these episode.

Therefore, an individual can have episodes of binge eating (or a binge eating disorder) without meeting full DSM-V criteria for Bulimia Nervosa.

How Common is Bulimia Nervosa?

Approximately 2 percent of women will meet criteria for Bulimia Nervosa during their lifetime. About 10% of individuals struggling with eating disorders are men.

How can Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder (BED) Affect Someone’s Physical Health

There are several possible medical sequelae that can occur from Binge Eating and compensatory behaviors. They include, but are not limited to:

• Dehydration
• Electrolyte Imbalances (which can increase risk of seizures and heart problems, including death from arrhythmias)
• Low blood pressure
• Damage to the Esophagus, and risk of life-threatening bleeding (Mallory-Weiss Syndrome)
• Digestive problems
• Tooth Decay, gum disease and enlarged salivary glands from recurrent vomiting
• Pancreatitis
• Hormonal changes and difficulties with pregnancy
• Acid Reflux
• Others

When Should I get an Evaluation for Treatment of Bulimia Nervosa or Binge Eating Disorder?

We recommend that individuals schedule a psychiatric evaluation for Bulimia Nervosa or Binge Eating Disorder if they experience:

• Difficulty abstaining from binge eating and/or compensatory behaviors
• Significant anxiety, low mood, or other emotional disturbances
• Low self-esteem
• Symptoms interfering with relationships
• Symptoms interfering with personal, social, academic or occupational life
• Stress related to the condition affecting sleep, energy, and/or focus
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Crying episodes
• Difficulty being present with friends or loved ones, due to distress
• The use of poor coping mechanisms (alcohol or substance use, gambling, sexually acting out, self-harm) to manage stress
• Suicidal thoughts
• Others

What Types of Treatment are Available for Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder?

Treatment for an Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating should be tailored to the individual. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment in psychiatry. Your treatment for Bulimia or Binge Eating may include:

• Psychotherapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Exposure Therapy
• Coordination of services with a nutritionalist, dentist and primary care provider, with a signed release.
• Medication Management. Medications such as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) have been shown to reduce symptoms related to Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder. Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is a controlled medication in the stimulant category which has been approved for the treatment of binge eating disorder. Of note, this medication has significant risks, and is not appropriate for all patients.
• Behavioral modification: Recommendations regarding sleep hygiene, exercise, proper diet, social outlets and others, may be part of a patient’s treatment.

Do You Offer Both In-office and Virtual Online Psychiatric Appointments for Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder Treatment?

Yes, we offer both in-office and virtual online psychiatric appointments for the treatment of Bulimia and Binge Eating Disorder (BED).

Why Choose Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates for Bulimia and Binge Eating Disorder Treatment?

The providers at Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates are academically oriented providers, most of whom teach, or have taught, at academic institutions. Our providers are Board Certified Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners and we have several licensed and doctoral level therapists and psychologists. We are experienced in working with individuals who struggle with various psychiatric conditions, including Bulimia and Binge Eating Disorder (BED).

• Licensed Therapists and Doctoral Level Psychologists
• Board Certified Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners
• Academically Oriented providers, most of whom teach, or have taught, at local Academic Institutions, such as Johns Hopkins Hospital & The University of Pennsylvania.
• Appointments generally available within 2 weeks.
• In-office and online Virtual Appointments for the treatment of Bulimia and Binge Eating Disorder
• Providers experienced in treating co-occurring psychiatric conditions.
• Providers who are welcoming to all individuals.