BULIMIA NERVOSA TREATMENT, RECOVERY & HELP

Bulimia nervosa is characterised by recurrent binge eating, followed by harmful compensatory behaviours, designed to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting, extreme dieting, the use of laxatives and over-exercising. Bulimia is also present in people who purge without overeating, such as getting rid of a normal meal to control weight.

Recovery Aims

The primary aim of bulimia treatment is for you to have a normal and happy relationship with food, to stop purging behaviour, stop compulsive eating and help you to control your weight without needing to resort to extreme methods and other forms of self abuse.

But bulimia treatment is more than this and will target some of the underlying issues which have led you to develop the illness in the first place.  We may or may not need to deal with old unhappy events. But therapy generally looks forward and we will help you feel more in control of life and other people in general, build your confidence and happiness, help you manage stress and emotions in a better way without turning to food, and strengthen the way you feel about your body.

Bulimia is treatable even with a long history of problems with food.

Recommended Therapy / Treatment Pathway

Treatment for bulimia is dependent on the stage and history of the problem but we suggest

• An assessment with an NCFED therapist to discuss in full the current situation and history
• A general health check
• Nutritional guidance for health, weight control and mood
• Help to conquer cravings and eating control
• Setting realistic targets together with boosting motivation and commitment to change
• Skills for managing stress
• Ongoing psychological work on emotional resilience, coping skills and managing relationships
• Work on unhelpful thinking, food obsessions, body image and self esteem
• In case of emergencies only we may advise a short stay in a suitable residential setting.  This is needed only for very few more serious cases
• Attending short therapy workshops or self help is useful for some people
• Support for carers is optional and can be useful for some people  

A single, no obligation assessment with a specialist counsellor is the best way for you to understand why you have developed an eating disorder and what can be done for you personally. You can decide about ongoing treatment and move towards recovery.

YES! I Would Like An Assessment NOW     

National Centre for Eating Disorders