Bulimia nervosa (BN) is a serious mental health condition, marked by periods of binge eating and compensatory purging behaviors, such as self-induced vomiting or excessive exercise.

Many people with one mental health condition will be diagnosed with a comorbid, or co-occurring, disorder. One of the more common comorbid diagnoses is bulimia nervosa (BN) and substance use disorder (SUD).

As science, medicine, and culture continue to evolve, more attention has been paid to the concept of addiction and the biological and psychological mechanisms that lead to these types of unhelpful, compulsive behaviors.

If you or a loved one are struggling with an eating disorder, you’ll likely want to enroll in a treatment program as quickly as possible. And while it’s important to get help in a timely manner, some time should be taken to consider the type of treatment facility you choose.

Amenorrhea is the absence of menstrual periods in biological women. 

Certain scenarios have been known to naturally bring about this condition, including pregnancy, breastfeeding, certain hormonal contraceptives, and menopause. But sometimes, amenorrhea is a sign of a deeper problem.

Bulimia nervosa (BN) is a mental health condition that manifests as disordered eating behavior. But it can also share many of the same characteristics of drug addiction.

Recent research has found similar connections in the brain that are activated when someone engages in a binging episode and when someone uses recreational drugs.

Eating disorders touch people of all ages, sizes, and orientations. But sadly, some groups, including the LGBTQ+ community, tend to be disproportionately affected by these conditions. 

As a whole, LGBTQ+ people struggle with eating disorders more frequently than those in the hetero-normative community. And many people identifying as LGBTQ+ face multiple treatment barriers.

Eating disorder treatment is covered by a large number of insurance policies. But most require families and their doctors to prove that care is needed; sometimes, care teams and insurance administrators disagree about how treatment should work.

Bulimia nervosa (BN) and anemia are often linked, with an estimated overlap rate of more than 11%. [1]

The disordered eating and behavioral patterns associated with bulimia nervosa can cause the body to become deficient in a variety of necessary vitamins and minerals. When the condition leads to a low iron count, it can lead to anemia.

Bulimia nervosa (BN) can cause a wide range of medical issues, including the swelling of certain glands. Glands in the throat and the face are often particularly impacted.

A variety of overlapping factors often cause eating disorders. 

And while biological influences account for many of the underlying causes of these conditions, exposure to media can impact body dissatisfaction, increasing the rates of disordered eating and playing a role in the development of an eating disorder. [1]

While research is ongoing, there have been some studies and reports suggesting a relationship between bulimia nervosa (BN) and acid reflux.

If left untreated, this type of digestive difficulty can eventually lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a fairly serious, chronic condition that can also cause further health complications over time.

Bulimia can impact the parotid glands, which are salivary glands that serve a number of important purposes. Repeated purging can cause these glands to swell, which can change the shape of the face and potentially cause other health complications.

Pro-anorexia websites and similar content represent a significant source of potential harm to people struggling with anorexia nervosa (AN) or those at risk of developing it. 

These sources spread dangerous misinformation and can encourage unhealthy ways of viewing one’s own body and the bodies of others.

Due to the physical impact of purging, bulimia nervosa (BN) has the potential to cause significant damage to the throat.

These complications can make it hard to talk and painful to swallow. And the repeated behavior can even increase the risk of esophageal cancer, a dangerous and potentially deadly condition.

Bulimia can cause significant damage to a person’s oral health, especially their teeth, mostly as a result of purging. 

And while it’s possible to stop or reverse some of these effects, the longer someone struggles with disordered eating behavior, the more at risk they become for imparting permanent damage.

Of all mental health disorders, eating disorders are often considered the most dangerous—and, sadly, the conditions often have a high mortality rate.

Many people with bulimia nervosa (BN) or other eating disorders misuse laxatives in the hopes of losing or controlling weight. But this practice is not only ineffective, it can also be dangerous.

Bulimia jaw is a term for a number of symptoms that can result from the purging aspect of bulimia nervosa (BN). It can refer to swelling, intense pain, and a misalignment of the jaw, and sometimes require surgery to correct.

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a serious mental health condition that can profoundly change a person’s health over time.

There are a number of indicators that you may be more susceptible to developing anorexia nervosa (AN). Everything from your individual physiology, to the way you think about your body, to your cultural upbringing can all be potential anorexia risk factors.

The numbers around men with anorexia and eating disorders may be misleading. For example, a frequently quoted statistic is that 10% of anorexia cases are male, but even that statistic may be inaccurate, with some studies indicating the ratio may be higher.

At present, there is no single medication for anorexia that can replace the benefits therapies can provide. However, some medications can address a few of the mental health symptoms many people with anorexia develop.

Anorexia and genetics have a connection, although researchers aren’t exactly sure in what way.  If you have people in your immediate family who suffer from anorexia or other eating disorders, be mindful of that fact and consider adopting healthy habits to reduce your risk of developing an eating disorder yourself.

Understanding bulimia facts can help you spot the condition in people who need help. And armed with information, you can help them to get the treatment they need.

All across the United States, bulimia treatment centers help people overcome damaging impulses, habits, and behaviors. Each one is slightly different, but all share some core attributes.

Bulimia and binge eating disorder have a lot in common. Both involve episodes of bingeing, and both can be associated with weight gain. But there are significant differences between these two common eating disorders.

Run a search for “bulimia test,” and you’ll get more than 8 million Google results. Should you take one? And what should you do with your score?

Bulimia doesn’t technically harm your teeth. But one habit common in people with bulimia can cause extensive dental damage you’ll need a professional to address

Bulimia is a severe mental health disorder, but it responds to treatment. The sooner you spot the signs and enroll a patient in care, the more likely it is that the person will make a full recovery.