b ulimia n ervosa r ecognising the w arning s igns dr pooky knightsmith
TRANSCRIPT
BULIMIA NERVOSARECOGNISING THE WARNING SIGNS
Dr Pooky Knightsmith
WHAT IS AN EATING DISORDER?
Food and weight used as a way of copingSerious mental health issue
ANYONE can be affected
Not all about appearances
Low self-esteem
BULIMIA NERVOSA
I spent longer throwing up than eating. Every time I’d promise myself I’d stick to my diet this time, but I just
couldn’t do it.
• Roughly normal weight
• Frequent fluctuation in weight
• Influence of shape and weight
• Binge purge cycle
• Most common forms of purging are laxative abuse and vomiting
Strict dieting
Diet slips or difficult situation
arises
Binge eating
triggered
Purging to avoid weight gain
Feelings of shame and self-hatred
THE BINGE PURGE CYCLE
TRIGGERSFamily relationship difficulties
Peer relationship break up
Bullying
Trauma
Exposure via friends, family, media
Difficult times of year e.g. anniversaries
Exam pressure
Times of change (new school, parents split etc)
BULIMIA IS A SECRETIVE DISEASE
People with bulimia are often very ashamed of their illness and will work hard to conceal signs and symptoms
making it very difficult to spot.
An awareness of the warning signs on the next few slides may help you pick up a case early – which will maximise the chances of effective support and
complete recovery.
Bulimia Warning Signs
Weight FluctuationDue to the binge purge cycle
However, weight change is often not noticeable making this a hard illness to spot.
Bulimia Warning Signs
Callused KnucklesDue to repeated vomiting.
This sign is not always present but is often the most clear indicator of bulimia.
Bulimia Warning Signs
Chewing GumDrinking Water
As a food replacement when trying to restrict food intake To mask the smell of vomit after purging
Bulimia Warning Signs
Wearing ScarvesScarves will sometimes be warn to hide swollen glands / puffy face
caused by vomiting
Bulimia Warning Signs
Toilet after MealsCould be a sign of purging – either laxative abuse of vomiting
Bulimia Warning Signs
Tooth Decay & Sore ThroatAcid in vomit wears away teeth. Dentists often note erosion of
enamel on the inside of teeth of someone who vomits regularly.
Bulimia Warning Signs
Can’t focus on School WorkToo consumed with eating disordered thoughts
Bulimia Warning Signs
IsolationPeople suffering with eating disorders will often push away their
friends and find they have less in common with them than they used to.
Bulimia Warning Signs Summary
Weight Fluctuation
Chewing Gum/
Drinking Water
Toilet after meals
Secretive behaviour
Puffy Face Calussed Knuckles Sore Throat Tooth Decay
Can’t Focus on School
Work
Isolation / loss of friends
How to be
helpful
Listen
Be honest
Try to understand
Persevere & offer
support
Voice the difficulties
Remember the ‘real’
child
TREATMENT OPTIONS• Family supported in playing an
active, positive roleFamily Therapy
• Alters behaviour by altering way we think about food / weight
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
(CBT)
• Talking therapy with the aim of developing a healthy dietDietary Counselling
• Explores life experiences and their impact on behaviour
Psychodynamic Therapy
• AntidepressantsMedication
Need more support?Dr Pooky Knightsmith specialises in mental health and emotional well-being in the school setting. She can provide training sessions or workshops for school staff, parents or students on a variety of topics, including self-harm and eating disorders.
For further information and free resources visit www.inourhands.com
Email: [email protected] Twitter: @PookyH