What Is The Best Solution For Bulimics Suffering From Bulimia Nervosa?

Psychological therapy and one on one counseling are recommended non-medicated treatment for bulimia. Only the most difficult cases and patients who are nonresponsive to the initial treatments require surgical treatment or hospitalization.

treatments for bulimia

The most popular treatments for bulimia is cognitive behavioral therapy. Since studies have shown that this treatment is effective in over 50 percent of the cases, this is frequently the first treatment of choice. Cognitive behavioral therapy includes nutritional counseling in order to prepare the patient for coping differently and prevent relapses in the future. Interpersonal therapy is another psychological treatment. This therapeutic method involves the emotional factors, such as depression, which can impact eating disorders. If the patient’s bulimia is in the early stages, and their health has not been severely compromised, it is helpful for support group therapy. Another treatment that might work is family therapy. Accounts of this treatment have been favorable in comparison to interpersonal therapy because an important agent of support - like family - is part of the method.

For patients exhibiting signs of depression, drugs for the treatment of bulimia is given. It is advised by the experts, though, that CBT, a psychological therapy, is done in combination with drugs. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors compose antidepressants. Other drugs are also given to patients such as those that prevent vomiting. Occasional anti-epileptic drugs are prescribed since tests have reflected that they can help with periods of binging and purging. B vitamin drugs that were originally prescribed for bipolar disorder and depression have been found out to benefit bulimic patients as well.

There are other treatments for bulimia as well that have been explored. But more studies must be done and it has not yet been proven that these treatments are effective in the majority of cases. Hypnosis, light therapy, guided imagery and acupuncture are some of the less traditional treatments.

Hypnosis as a treatment is more effective on women patients with bulimia, but those patients that have developed anorexia are resistant to this treatment. Light therapy is used when there is an association between bulimia and seasonal affective disorder in the patient. But, the desired results are due to the decrease in depression and not the elimination of binge-purge behavior in bulimic patients. In contrast, research has shown that guided imagery causes a nearly 75% reduction in binging and purging. In this method, the patient listens to audiotapes where images are evoked that will help in achieving treatment goals. In acupuncture, points in the stomach are selected so that the qi is balanced and proper circulation of oxygen and blood is maintained. This remedial treatment operates on the assumption that lack of energy balance in the system leads to eating disorders. The treatment claims to release endorphins, aid in reducing stress, and strengthen the body’s endocrine and digestive systems.


What Are The Alternative Cures For Bulimia?

Bulimia nervosa is commonly treated in two ways: using powerful drugs to control the tendency (pharmacological), and through re-education, psychological evaluation, and CBT (psychotherapeutic). But it is important to remember that different people are affected differently by this medical condition. There are many individual variations in the signs and symptoms of bulimia nervosa. This is also true when evaluating the severity and frequency of bingeing and purging episodes. The problem is further compounded by the fact that this condition takes hold at different ages. Serious bulimia strikes some individuals in early adolescence, with others suffering milder conditions in their late 20’s.

Following the majority rule for mind-related ailments, some treatment for bulimics are successful for a small percentage, while the rest with this condition are still looking for cures. It is quite safe to say that there is good population of people with bulimia who have been trying one treatment option after the other, or even combining options for a speedier cure. For health care providers, conventional treatments and alternative treatments can be recommended singly or at the same time, as long as the individual cooperates 100% to the treatment options. Some of the noted alternative remedies that have shown positive, albeit limited success include: acupuncture, hypnotherapy, and stress releasing activities.

Acupuncture has been used for centuries as an accepted form of practice in alternative therapy. This type of treatments for bulimia has proven effective in relieving the continual urge to binge and purge. In some cases, the person with bulimia nervosa feels less inclined to practice unhealthy eating habits due to the general feeling of well-being after each acupuncture session. But only a small percentage consent to and seek out alternative treatments like these, so their cooperation and willingness to believe in the therapy is the most important factor in the healing process.

Hypnotherapy is generally utilized in cases where patients are experiencing some type of depression. Generally it is believed that bulimia nervosa sufferers additionally present with anxiety disorders or depressive states. In some cases, hypnotherapy is included in psychotherapeutic treatments. Again, very few people can actually be placed under hypnosis or follow suggested actions to overcome both bulimia and depression.

Stress reduction techniques and activities prove quite beneficial for older patients, or those afflicted mildly, and once depression is relieved, the urge to binge and purge disappears. Low impact but relaxing workouts such as tai chi and yoga, as well as meditation and massage therapies may help the person develop a more positive outlook regarding his or her body. Typically, MNT or dietary therapies will be added once the patient responds to this type of treatment for bulimics. This involves re-educating the patient regarding a proper diet for optimal health.