Eating disorders are still a severe issue in modern-day society. One of them is bulimia nerviosa, which involves binge eating followed by unhealthy ways of weight loss. Said measures involve fasting, use of laxatives, and causing vomit. As a rule, this disorder starts when one is in late childhood or early adulthood, as the patient secretly purges and binges. A person with this disorder tends to experience shame and repulsion when they eat large quantities of food and are liberated when they do the latter. It is important to know about related safety measures, considerations and medications and therefore outcomes of bulimic patients are more likely to be optimistic.
Fortunately, there are some safety measures that they can incorporate. Some of them include avoiding triggers and maintaining a healthy diet. The former can be done by avoiding any pictures of bodies that are unattainable to the individual. They should not look into their mirror and use their scale. Regarding healthy diets, it is important for one to ensure getting the necessary nutrients (WebMD, 2021). Moreover, the patient may consult their doctor about the suitable supplements that may benefit them and the amount of exercise which is permissible for them.
People with this disorder exhibit specific features and characteristics that nurses need to take into consideration. Patients with bulimia may have cases of substance abuse, shoplifting, and mental disorders (anxiety and depression) in their lives. Such individuals are usually closer to having an average size than underweight or overweight (Belleza, 2021). They spend the majority of their time on food and dieting and are commonly known for experiencing low self-esteem. Hence, with the help of these characteristics, a person with bulimia may be identified. Symptoms of bulimia can be reduced with the help of combining antidepressants and psychotherapy. The only antidepressant, which is accepted for the treatment of this disorder by the Food and Drug Administration, is fluoxetine, also known as Prozac (WebMD, 2021; Mayo Clinic, 2018). Combined with therapy, it can improve a bulimic patient’s condition.
In conclusion, in order to ensure optimistic outcomes in people with bulimia, it is important to know about safety measures, considerations and medication. It is recommended for them to maintain a healthy diet and avoid triggers to stay healthy. Some of the important considerations involve an individual dedicating most of their time to food and dieting, struggling with mental disorders and low self-esteem. By paying attention to these aspects, it will be easier to help the patient recover properly.
References
Belleza, M. (2021). Eating disorders: Anorexia & bulimia nervosa. Nurseslabs. Web.
Mayo Clinic. (2018). Bulimia nervosa – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic. Web.
WebMD Editorial Contributors. (2021). Bulimia: Symptoms, treatments, and prevention. WebMD. Web.