That said, risk factors are often present in early adolescence. In terms of purging disorder specifically, about 2. People with purging disorder may feel shame about their purging behavior and try to hide it from others. Some do not realize their behavior is problematic, don't want to give up purging, or don't want others to offer advice, criticism, or concern.
It may be difficult to know that someone has purging disorder. Some behaviors and symptoms that are common among people with purging disorder include:. Some people with eating disorders will search for websites that offer "tips" on dangerous eating disorder behaviors, including ways to purge. These websites are very dangerous and cause a lot of harm. Watch for signs that someone may be using them. Purging can cause serious harm to the body, and even be fatal.
Anyone with symptoms of purging disorder should see a healthcare provider for help with treatment and protecting long-term health. Sometimes purging disorder can cause a need for immediate or emergency medical attention that cannot wait. Serious symptoms that indicate urgent medical attention may be needed include:. Purging disorder can cause complications in many systems in the body.
Some complications of different methods of purging include:. Despite the considerable overlap between anorexia , bulimia , and purging disorder, each has distinct features and criteria for diagnosis.
Purging disorder is also linked to other mental health conditions. One study showed that compared with control groups, people with purging disorder have higher levels of suicidality, depression, anxiety, impulsivity, substance use, dietary restraint, body dissatisfaction, and eating psychopathology.
Getting help for purging disorder is vital. Early intervention is most effective. If you think you may have purging disorder, see your healthcare provider. If you suspect a loved one has purging disorder, encourage them to get help, but do so sensitively. Criticism and shame are likely to cause them to retreat.
Establishing trust and communication, helping the person to see how their behavior is causing harm, is usually more effective. For help with purging disorder coping and recovery:. Some signs to look for include:. To help someone with an eating disorder:. Online screening tests for anorexia are available, but they are not substitutes for a medical consultation.
Although it receives less attention than other eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia, purging disorder is just as serious and dangerous. Left untreated, purging disorder can cause complications that put your health at risk, and may be life-threatening. Untreated purging can be hard to handle psychologically as well. Help for purging disorder is available and effective, especially when started early.
If you or someone you know has symptoms of purging disorder, make an appointment with a healthcare provider to discuss diagnosis and treatment plans. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Bulimia Anorexia Nervosa Association. Eat Well Health Centre. What is purging disorder and what does it do to your body? National Eating Disorders Association. Laxative abuse. Prevalence of eating disorders in males: a review of rates reported in academic research and UK mass media.
Int J Mens Health. There are other specific behaviors that can serve as red flags for purging disorder. Though there are no current statistics on how many individuals are affected by this condition , the signs and dangers of purging on both the mind and body are well understood within the eating disorder community.
Compensatory behaviors are typically done in secret. As with other eating disorders, purging disorder is closely associated with shame and self-loathing. Individuals struggling with purging disorder often isolate during and after mealtimes, avoiding meals with friends or big parties where they might be unable to purge following food consumption of any kind. Engaging in compensatory behaviors can become addictive.
This can result in a high that those with purging disorder might strive to recreate following a meal. If you notice a loved one regularly going to the restroom directly following every meal, this can be indicative of purging behaviors. Likewise, if someone does not have gastrointestinal problems but consistently has diarrhea, this can be a sign of laxative abuse.
Different forms of purging can have similar physical side effects. These include dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and vital organ damage. Additionally, self-induced vomiting can lead to dental problems, swelling of the throat, and broken blood vessels in the face and neck. Laxative abuse can result in rectal bleeding, chronic diarrhea, or constipation without the aid of laxatives. There are serious psychological side effects of purging, as these behaviors are addictive and can become a compulsion.
These effects are similar to those of other eating disorders, including irritability, mood swings, and increased anxiety, particularly when the individual is unable to engage in behaviors. Eating disorders typically trick those who are struggling into believing their behaviors are the one thing keeping them above water. In reality, disordered eating and compensatory behaviors can force an individual into isolation and increase co-occurring mental health conditions. The chemical changes that self-induced vomiting causes in the brain can also directly contribute to depression and anxiety.
Distance yourself. Realize that you are NOT your feelings. Emotions are passing events, like clouds moving across the sky. Sitting with your feelings may feel extremely uncomfortable at first. Maybe even impossible.
Even emotions that feel intolerable are only temporary. You can choose how to respond. The bingeing and purging of bulimia is often fueled by dysfunctional, self-sabotaging ways of thinking that undermine your confidence, color everything in an unrealistically negative light, and make you feel helpless, inadequate, and ashamed. But you can learn to put a stop to these unhealthy mental habits. All-or-nothing thinking. You have a hard time seeing shades of gray, at least when it comes to yourself.
Emotional reasoning. You believe if you feel a certain way, it must be true. Musts, must-nots, and have-tos. You call yourself names based on mistakes and perceived shortcomings. You jump to the worst-case scenario. Once you identify the destructive thoughts patterns that you default to, you can start to challenge them with questions such as:.
As you cross-examine your negative thoughts, you may be surprised at how quickly they crumble. If you suspect that your friend or family member has bulimia, talk to the person about your concerns.
Either way, bulimia should never be ignored. Offer compassion and support. Keep in mind that the person may get defensive or angry. But if he or she does open up, listen without judgment and make sure the person knows you care.
Avoid insults, scare tactics, guilt trips, and patronizing comments. Since bulimia is often caused and exacerbated by stress, low self-esteem, and shame, negativity will only make it worse. Set a good example for healthy eating, exercising, and body image.
Accept your limits. The person with bulimia must make the decision to move forward.
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