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Bulimia Nervosa

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“Running Head: Literature Review: BULIMIA NERVOSA

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Literature Review: Bulimia Nervosa

BACKGROUND Bulimia nervosa is an illness defined by food binges, or recurrent episodes of significant overeating, that are accompanied by a sense of loss of control (Medical Encyclopedia ) 90 percent of people with bulimia are women; but bulimia affects people from all walks of life, including males, women of color, and even older women. (Wolfe 2007). My research will concentrate on young women who suffer from the disease. This concern came about after a close family member was diagnosed two years ago and now suffers extensively with multiple organs in her body being affected. My research with try to uncover the cause that leads to the disorder, the conditions that are associated and they avenues that can be used to overcome and lead a normal life that takes the focus off size and image and focus on achievement of self worth.
LITERATURE
Twelve forms of sources were used for this investigate research of bulimia nervosa. The sources included a telephone interview with, Beth Brown from Brooklyn, NY, the mother of the young lady who inspired by researching this disease. Ten articles that were retrieved from the internet after using bulimia nervosa as the phrase on several search engines and two articles that were biographies written by suffers of bulimia. Two of the articles came from MedicineNet.com. The first outlined and defined causes, diagnoses, complications and treatment. The second article covered glossary terms associated with the disease. The next two were encyclopedia related articles. The first article was from Medline Plus and the second article was from NHS Direct. Articles five through seven were from BBC sites. Article five and six were from BBC News Health and discussed Hormone balance clue to bulimia and Child overeaters become bulimic. Article seven was from bbc.co.uk Radio Listen Live / Onelife and it and it gave an overview of bulimia nervosa. Article eight was from National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA). This article discussed the symptoms, warning signs and consequences of bulimia. The ninth and article was from Woman Health. It covered frequently asked questions as well as the effects bulimia has on pregnancies. The tenth article was related to bulimia being associated with brain chemical malfunction. The two biography articles were retrieved from MamasHealth.com. I attempted to join in and observe a support group in my area; however after leaving several messages with contact person given on internet no response was received as of date.
Findings
All of the articles I read outlined the targeted victims of bulimia in the same way. Their summarizations of habits by victims, causes and treatments of bulimia, complications suffered are in line with my interview and biography articles written by suffer. They state that Bulimia Nervosa can start at any age, though it normally starts during late teens. (Dr. Hicks 2005.) Bulimia is estimated to affect between 3% of all women in the U.S. at some point in their lifetime. About 6% of teen girls and 5% - 10% of college-aged females are believed to suffer from bulimia. Approximately 10% of identified bulimic patients are men. (Stopper 2006). There is currently no definite known cause of bulimia. Researchers believe it begins with dissatisfaction of the person's body and extreme concern with body size and shape. Usually individuals suffering from bulimia have low self-esteem, feelings of helplessness and a fear of becoming fat (MamasHealth.com). Other issues associated include cultures, family problems, life changes, stress and hormones are all causes of a person to become bulimic (Dr. Hicks 2005).
In addition a new study adds to evidence that the eating disorder bulimia springs at least in part from a chemical malfunction in the brain and not merely from excessive desire to remain thin (CNN 1999). Signs of bulimia can come from a dental exam may show dental cavities or gum infections (such as gingivitis) in which the enamel of the teeth may be eroded or pitted because of excessive exposure to acid in vomit. A chem-20 test may show an electrolyte imbalance (such as hypokalemia) or dehydration. The person may start using diet pills, or taking pills to urinate or have a bowel movement. They go to the bathroom all the time after eating (to throw up). They exercise a lot, even in bad weather or when hurt or tired. They have swollen cheeks or jaw area, calluses or scrapes on knuckles (if using fingers to induce vomiting). Their teeth look clear and they have broken blood vessels in the eyes. The person also may be moody or sad, or may not want to go out with friends. Some of the complications to the body that can occur due to bulimia nervosa are Erosion of tooth enamel because of repeated exposure to acidic gastric contents. Dental cavities can become sensitivity to hot or cold food. Swelling and soreness in the salivary glands (from repeated vomiting) can occur. Stomach Ulcers and Ruptures of the stomach and esophagus. Abnormal buildup of fluid in can appear in the intestines. Disruption in the normal bowel release function. Electrolyte imbalance, dehydration irregular heartbeat and in severe cases heart attack can occur. Lastly a greater risk for suicidal behavior and decrease in libido are also factors. (MamasHealth.com). Treatment of bulimia involves many approaches which include medical, psychological, behavior modification, counseling and anti-depressant medication. The ultimate goal is to get the person to a physical healthy body with normal eating habits. After reading and conducting my interview I found the information from the articles to be exactly as the biographies stated they went through in relations to how they became bulimic. It also corresponded with my friend’s daughter experience. The treatments were also good and in the case of the biography’s victims it helps, whereas my friend daughter refuses to seek help of the counseling nature. She feels she is fine. My goal before finishing my research is to try and sit in on a support group session or speak with someone related. As far as the information on it being chemical related, I have mix reviews. The reason for my mix reviews is that I would not want a person to use that as an excuse instead of seeking professional help.

(Wolfe, 2007)
References

B. A. Brown (personal communication, April 11, 2007)
CNN Interactive, 1999 Chemical Malfunction Plays Role in Bulimia, Researchers Say. {Electronic Version}Retrieved April 15, 2007 from http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/9902/14/bulimia/
Hicks, R. Dr. (2005) Bulimia, BBC Health {Electronic Version} Retrieved April 6, 2007 from http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/conditions/bulimia1.shtml
MamasHealth.com, (n.d.). {Electronic Version}Retrieved April 15, 2007 from http://www.mamashealth.com/bulimia.asp
Nanda, Rita M.D., Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia, {Electronic Version} Department of Medicine, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL. Retrieved April 15, 2007 from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000341.htm#Treatment
Stöppler Conrad, Melissa MD(2006), Bulimia {Electronic Version} MedicineNet.com Retrieved April 15, 2007 from http://www.medicinenet.com/bulimia/article.htm
Wolfe, Barbara The National Women's Health Information Center {Electronic Version} (n.d.) Bulimia nervosa. Retrieved April 6, 2007 from http://www.4woman.gov/faq/Easyread/bulnervosa-etr.htm

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