They should definitely not promise weight loss. These approaches are outdated and often deepen the underlying reasons for purge behavior. This may surprise you. Many people who develop chronic purging behaviors experience a positive soothing quality to the action of purging.
Eating disorders, especially Bulimia Nervosa, can be described as Maladaptive Coping Mechanisms, which are subconscious mechanisms to soothe anxious feelings. Bulimia has been linked to underlying problems with impulsivity. This can be defined as urgency, sensation seeking, lack of premeditation, and lack of perseverance. To compensate, they seek external behaviors such as purging, substance use, and self-harm.
These behaviors are sought on a subconscious and incredibly urgent basis. People who have Bulimia are more likely to engage in self-harm behavior. They harm at rates between 25 and 75 percent reported in various studies. But they are both surprisingly consistent as coping behaviors. Like Bulimia, self-harm is a powerful form of non-verbal communication. It is a very valid call for help when the person suffering lacks adaptive methods of seeking support.
The reasons for purge behavior are different for everyone. But all people who purge will benefit from professional support so they can build adaptive coping mechanisms. These adaptive methods will help them process pain, anxiety, and fear. Nor do they remove anything from their body with behaviors like purging and bleeding. Treatment for soothing purges should come from a place of compassion and acceptance. A person in recovery should feel free to fully explore the urges that drive their behavior.
Therapists tell us that the goal is to help the person understand what they are seeking with purging. Only then can they begin the process of replacing their purge behavior with more adaptive coping methods. Find a non-diet, HAES-oriented professional to help solve the reasons you or your loved one purges. Ginny Jones is on a mission to empower parents to raise kids who are free from eating disorders and body hate. Privacy Policy - Terms and Conditions.
In this article we will review the four major reasons for purge behavior: Socialied purges: socially accepted purge behaviors that are openly discussed in society Bonding purges: teens and young adults may engage in bonding with friends by purging together Weight-loss purges: purging can seem like an easy way to lose weight without cutting down on food eaten Soothing purges: some people experience a positive soothing quality when purging Types of purging behavior Purging behavior includes: Self-induced vomiting Laxatives, diuretics and weight-loss medication Compensatory exercise The majority of serious purging is based on the idea of reducing calories in the body based on the mistaken assumption that weight is directly based on calories digested.
Purging and eating disorders Purging behavior is not limited to Bulimia Nervosa. Socialized purges Socialized purges are socially accepted purge behaviors that are openly discussed in society. Bonding purges It is not uncommon for teens and young adults to engage in bonding with friends by purging. Weight-loss purges We live in a society that has normalized and encourages dieting. Soothing purges This may surprise you.
Treatment for purging behavior The reasons for purge behavior are different for everyone. Treatment approach Treatment for soothing purges should come from a place of compassion and acceptance.
But bulimia is beyond that. It is a double-edged sword. The disorder is characterized by a cycle of binge eating followed by compensation behaviors, such as self-induced vomiting or taking laxatives also known as purging.
Episodes of binging can become obsessive, much like smoking or taking drugs. Contrary to popular belief, binge-eating is not a conscious choice, but rather, exists to fill a void — serving as a coping mechanism for underlying issues and internal struggles. What follows? Low self-esteem, guilt, a need for control and a deep fear of gaining weight, bringing an urge to undo what has been done.
Bulimia becomes a vicious cycle of mixed feelings including shame , fear, and relief. A range of genetic, social and environmental factors can predispose someone to bulimia. There is no black and white answer that points to its cause, or how someone should be treated for it. Psychological : Bulimia often overlaps with other mental health disorders such as anxiety , depression, and OCD. As bulimia is associated with feelings of low self-esteem, self-worth, and hopelessness, it is no surprise that depression and anxiety sometimes occur together with it.
Trauma : We all face trauma to some degree. For example, a negative event to one person may be perceived as neutral or positive to someone else. Triggers may include past sexual abuse, violence, starting a new job, relationship breakdowns or death of a loved one. Personality : Some people are more sensitive than others.
And on the other hand, some of us experience difficulty expressing or understanding our emotions. When we struggle to manage our emotions, we may seek unhealthy methods, such as binge eating and purging in the case of bulimia as a strategy to find relief and feel in control of our lives.
Research suggests that physical problems in the brain, involving serotonin and altered brain circuitry may play a role. Family history may increase your likelihood of experiencing bulimia as well. Parents who are overly critical of their children, or who emphasize the importance of dieting and physical appearance may be more likely to have a child with bulimia.
The cultural stereotypes and air of secrecy surrounding bulimia make it one of the least understood of mental health conditions.
This misconception is understandable but false. Overeating may lead to the fear of gaining weight — true. However, the act of binging itself is often used as a coping mechanism for trauma or stressful life events. Some people turn to food for comfort on occasion, but for others, it becomes a significant and regular part of their lives, a way to manage unwanted emotions — an addiction.
When people reach this stage, they likely have a binge eating disorder. Bulimia makes sense when considering how these behaviors work hand-in-hand. Binge eating becomes addictive, much like a drug. Some people with bulimia eat until it hurts, and this behavior may stem from feeling like they are unable to stop or perhaps even as a form of self-punishment. Forced vomiting puts pressure on the eyes, causing them to become red and irritated.
This could also break a blood vessel in the eye, causing a large red patch in the whites of the eye, similar to a bruise on the eye. The eye sockets could also become sunken in and dark circles could appear under the eyes. Repeated self-induced vomiting can cause serious damage to teeth. Vomit contains stomach acids that corrode the enamel that protects the teeth. When the enamel wears away, a cavity could appear. This can also cause gingivitis, which makes the gums red, inflamed, and bleed when brushed or subjected to pressure.
Teeth can also become stained with a yellow color, take on a more glass-like appearance, chip much more easily, become brittle, or even take on a different shape. Overall, it can be incredibly painful if sensitive parts of the teeth are exposed, and hot and cold food may be too painful to consume.
Often, the effects on teeth are irreversible without surgery. The acids in the stomach can also cause swelling of the face and salivary glands. There could be swelling around the jaw and cheeks. Experiences of painful mouth sores on the roof of the mouth, inner cheeks, inner lips, throat, and tongue are also common. Those sores can swell up and become infected. Dry mouth could also be experienced, and, when paired with the mouth sores, could be incredibly painful.
Dry mouth can change the taste and texture of food, which may increase the likelihood of it getting stuck in the mouth or throat and possibly cause choking. Frequent purging often causes dehydration; it can also throw electrolytes out of balance and strain the heart. This could also cause a heart attack or a seizure. Those with bulimia, for example, are five times more likely to have a heart attack and six times more likely to have coronary artery disease than those without an eating disorder.
0コメント