January 27th, 2009 by 
Writer
When mental health professionals refer to “co-morbid conditions,” these are physical as well as emotional conditions that cause harm and distress to someone suffering from a “primary” diagnosis. For example, people with diabetes (primary disorder) frequently suffer from other conditions that are induced by diabetes (co-morbid disorders) such as peripheral neuropathy – loss of blood flow to the feet causing pain, loss of function, and may even lead to amputation.
Eating disorders like Bulimia Nervosa rarely present without co-morbid physical and emotional conditions. When co-morbid conditions do exist, they too must be treated along with the patient’s bulimia, the primary diagnosis. Successful treatment of Bulimia Nervosa depends upon the simultaneous treatment of co-morbid disorders. It’s really not important to debate whether bulimia caused the co-morbid disorders, or vice-versa since both conditions must be treated for recovery to be successful. Looking at this web site which Obesity Surgery will give you further instructive material.
The Diagnostic as well as Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association, Version Four, Text Revised (DSM-IV-TR) describes the following physical as well as emotional disorders that are oftentimes co-morbid with Bulimia Nervosa: Most bulimics are not medically obese, but are of a normal weight or perhaps underweight. Through purging their food through self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, as well as the misuse of laxatives, diuretics as well as enemas, they avoid weight gain.
Symptoms of depression as well as/or anxiety are frequently co-morbid with bulimia. Patients exhibit anhedonia (loss of pleasurable feelings), insomnia, inability to focus and concentrate, as well as thoughts of suicide – all symptoms of depression. Patients may also exhibit deep feelings of anxiety and fear in social situations, feelings of overwhelming stress, as well as very poor self-esteem – all symptoms of anxiety.
Substance misuse is frequently co-morbid with bulimia, abuse of stimulant drugs in particular. abuse of amphetamine drugs allow the bulimic to exercise rapidly as well as help control appetite. Common binging as well as purging results in fluid and electrolyte abnormalities a potentially fatal condition if not immediately treated with IV fluids. A major complication of self-induced vomiting is the depletion of tooth enamel, resulting in serious dental problems. This is caused by the stomach acids wearing away tooth enamel. A bulimic’s salivary glands may be enlarged, causing dental scaring. Many bulimics require extensive dental procedures, including dentures.
Bulimics who use Ipecac syrup to induce vomiting contribute to serious dental problems due to constant vomiting and suppression of the normal gag response. Among female bulimics, menstrual irregularities are common; menstrual periods may cease altogether due to malnutrition.
For untreated sufferers of Bulimia Nervosa, lifespan can be decreased by at least ten years. Sooner or later, malnutrition, suicide or other complications of the illness overtake the untreated bulimic. Death is unavoidable, an imminent unless the individual manages to find treatment.
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