Exploring the Cause of Eating Disorders - Familial Relationships and Bulimia

In “Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia: The Development of Deviant Identities", which was published in 1987, the researchers utilized the labeling theory in their study on anorexics and bulimic victims. The current appearance norms in society demand thinness for women and muscularity in men. Social and Individual factors were considered in the studies which were conducted by the authors, Penelope A. McLorg and Diane E. Taub. Advertising has become the primary agent of socialization which promotes the slimness of both genders in our society. The researchers noted conformity in the behavior of the anorexics' and bulimics' families tend to conform to the norms by making close relations. In the study, the researchers found that parent’s opinions on

Bulimia nervosa is a second eating disorder that needs attention drawn to it. Bulimia was pretty much unknown before the mid 1970’s (Dippel, N. & Becknal, K., 1987). Bulimia consists of binging and purging (eating as much as possible and then throwing it up). In a study that was conducted it was found that after bulimics had attempted several diets without success, they then became aware of vomiting or laxatives as a means to weight loss (Herzog, 1982). The symptoms of bulimia heave to do with preoccupations with food, weight, body image, and ridding themselves of ingested food (Dippel, N. & Becknal, K., 1987). Most people throw up because they feel guilty for consuming all the foods they know they shouldn’t have. They vomit not only to get rid of the food but to get rid of any unwanted feelings and emotions. Most patients begin purging approximately 1 year after the binge eating has started. As scary as the facts may sound, what is even scarier is the affects

Eating disorder, Bulimia is an Axis I clinical disorder according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder also written as DSM-IV-TR. The story on this case analysis was performed on Wanda Hoffman a 24 year old woman who presented with the behavior since age 18 after she became a college student. She was overeating in the context of new academic and social demand then inducing vomiting and often skipping lunch meal. The behaviors she exhibited meet most criteria for a diagnosis of eating disorder, Bulimia. Because Wanda exhibits behaviors in each of the diagnostic criteria for eating, disorder, Bulimia it assists us in ruling out other diagnosis.

This updated edition includes a section of answers to some of the common questions the author is asked about bulimia. Anyone suffering from an eating disorder (there are eight million bulimics in America alone), as well as parents, friends, counselors, and pastors will find hope and help through this engaging true life

An equally disruptive eating disorder that has been seen in increasing numbers in recent years is Bulimia. About two percent of American women are affected by this disorder. Bulimia is characterized by a distinctive binging and purging cycle. Individuals with this disorder will often times consume large amounts of food, and the immediate throw it back up. These binging and purging actions have substantial medical risks. Additionally, some individuals consume large amounts of food and then proceed to exercise for exorbitant amounts of time. This can also be a risk to ones wellbeing. Other characteristics associated with Bulimia include the abuse of laxatives and diuretics. Individuals with this disease often times completely lose control over their dietary habits. The massive highs and lows cause emotional instability. The mood swings that

In another compilation of studies by Schuckit, Tipp, Anthenelli, and Buchotz differing statistics were found as to whether there was increased alcohol abuse among women with bulimia. One group of studies regarding bulimia stated that between one fourth and one half of individuals with bulimia "drank one or several times per week" or "had evidence of a problem with street drugs". Another stated that between fourteen and over fifty percent of individuals met the criteria for alcohol dependence. Yet another study found only a twelve percent rate of severe alcohol problems among a group of women with bulimia. This evidence states that there is no proof for substance abuse increase in bulimia because the rate in the general

Bulimia can also be hereditary or caused from a chemical imbalance. Dr. Walters Kaye at the University of Pittsburgh is a psychiatry professor who found data that bulimic woman have altered brain chemistry. In turn, this data proved that the altered brain chemistry puts a bulimic at higher risk for eating disorders, even after he/she recovered from bulimia (“Bulimia: Symptoms, Causes...”1-4). It can run in families because

Bulimia has cost the lives of many around the world, but it still does not seem to stop spreading its influence. This type of eating disorder shares similar emotional triggers found in those suffering from anorexia and excess fasting. “This illness is associated with premorbid perfectionism, introversion, poor peer relations, and low self-esteem.” (Garfinkel) Of course, these characteristics are a direct result of the person’s environment. As stated by Pigott once she got back home from her trip to Africa, “ I reverted to my natural state: one of yearning to be slimmer and more fit than I was. My freedom had been temporary. I was home, where fat is feared and despised.” (Pigott, C., pg.93) Bulimia, unlike anorexia, is characterized by a person binge-eating, or consuming a large amount of food in a short time lapse, but then “purging” themselves by either “self-inducing vomiting, taking enemas, or abusing laxatives or other medications.” (“The Eating Disorder Foundation”) This eating disorder is known to cause depression, kidney damage, dental damage, and anxiety disorders if left untreated. (“The Eating Disorder Foundation”) Despite its devastating effects, bulimia cases worldwide are increasing rapidly, showing the public’s ignorance in choosing to conform with the norm rather than taking care of themselves.

Development of Anorexia and Bulimia Anorexia and Bulimia are two very complex conditions that have been around for quite a while, however both anorexia and bulimia amongst other eating disorders are becoming more and more prevalent in today’s society. There has been extensive press and media coverage on conditions related to eating disorders. Anorexia and bulimia are two of the most common eating disorders or two of the most prevalent eating disorders around. Conditions relating to eating disorders more than fifty or so years ago were virtually unheard of, this could be due to a number of reasons.

In this report I have chosen to investigate bulimia and describe the variety of services available and how they support someone suffering from this condition. People who have bulimia try to control their weight by severely restricting the amount of food they eat, then binge eating and purging the food from their body by making themselves vomit or using laxatives. Therefore this can make the individual severely sick and depressed. There are a range of services available for help and support for someone who suffers from bulimia.

Researchers say that the exact cause of Bulimia is unknown. There are many factors that could play a role in the development of this eating disorders, including biology, emotional health, society high expectations of a woman’s body and other mental issues. Researchers were able to pinpoint some of the most common causes of Bulimia which include low self-esteem, extreme drive for perfection and a distorted body image. There are many symptoms of Bulimia including binge eating, purging, lack of control when eating, exercise obsession, and dehydration. People suffering from Bulimia may need several types of treatment including psychotherapy, journaling, yoga, and art therapy.Researchers say keeping busy with relaxing activities helps the person suffering to get over the disorder. Bulimia is a terrible disease linked to many deaths and it is important to know the causes, symptoms, and

The woman in this video meets the DSM 5 criteria for bulimia. She engages in binges for 6-10 hours where she will go to multiple restaurants to eat or binge at home where it is common for bulimics to consume 3,400 to even 10,000 calories per episode. Bulimics also engage in compensatory behaviors in order to relieve the uncomfortable feelings of fullness and reduce anxiety attached to binge eating. This patient engages in these compensatory behaviors by vomiting in order to undo the effects of a binge. Lastly, a bulimic pattern will begin after a time of dieting. This woman said her bulimia began after one of her diets ended. She felt happy when she vomited because it helped her to maintain the weight she had struggled to lose.

While Bulimia is known by many names, the term “bulimia” did not enter the English language until the 1970s, “perhaps representing lingering uncertainty about its essence” (Gordon, 2000). Bulimia, as we know it, is a modern disease, however, there is some evidence of binging and purging in ancient times; for example, in ancient Egypt, “physicians would recommend periodical purgation as a health practice” (Gordon, 2000). There has also been documentation of wealthy families in the middle ages vomiting during meals in order to continue eating large amounts of food. At this point, you may be wondering why these examples are not considered Bulimia Nervosa. According to Dr. Richard Allan Gordon, author of Eating Disorders: Anatomy of a Social

This article gives a basic definition of bulimia, which states that it is the act of binge eating and then purging in a n effort to prevent weight gain. It also says that the physiological thinking behind this disorder has yet to be discovered. Over al the article and its context seem to be reliable it often refers to research and experiments that have been

Over time, it can lead to death. This is the major disadvantage of bulimia—the health risk of every individual. However, some people do not know this disadvantage. They thought that bulimia is good and effective that’s why they will influence others. And because our world today is concerned about weight, non-bulimics are easily influenced just to meet the standards of the society. They will also try this kind of diet to be slim. The society will face a great disorder because of the bad effects of bulimia. Bulimia can have a bad impact on business. A healthy society is a wealthy nation. But because bulimia can destroy one’s health, people will have a difficulty in their jobs. Unhealthy persons cannot work productively and sufficiently. If this happens, it will result to the downfall of the business, which later on affects the economy of the country. This may be in a long-term effect but in due time this can happen. Lastly, the major affected is the family of the bulimic person. The emotional and financial problem they are undertaking makes it hard for them to go on with life. It is difficult for them to see a family member suffering from the bad effects of bulimia. In addition, bulimia is not just a physical problem but a psychological dilemma too. Treatment can be a combination of medical and psychological approaches. Treating a bulimic person can take a lot of time and money. It is a burden for the family