Disorder of purging: Description, symptoms, remedies, and additional information
Purging Disorder is a lesser-known eating disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. This condition is characterised by recurrent episodes of purging, such as self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or excessive exercise, in an attempt to control the calories the body absorbs from food. Unlike Bulimia Nervosa, Purging Disorder does not involve binge eating episodes.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Purging Disorder
Individuals with Purging Disorder may exhibit signs such as purging behaviours after eating, concerns about body shape and weight, and possible physical symptoms related to purging, including dental enamel erosion, electrolyte imbalances, and symptoms associated with esophageal irritation or damage. Psychological symptoms may include anxiety, guilt about eating, and body image disturbance.
Risk Factors for Purging Disorder
Purging Disorder shares many risk factors with other eating disorders. These include genetic predisposition, psychological traits like heightened emotional sensitivity, anxiety, and perfectionism, sociocultural pressures around thinness and body image, environmental factors like weight-related teasing or dieting pressure, low self-esteem and poor body image, stress, depression, and other emotional distress factors.
How Purging Disorder is Treated Compared to Bulimia Nervosa
Both Purging Disorder and Bulimia Nervosa treatments focus on stopping purging behaviours and improving the psychological relationship with food and body image. However, key differences arise from the absence of binge eating in Purging Disorder. Treatment for Purging Disorder often involves cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) tailored to stop purging, improve body image, and address triggers of purging behaviours. Nutritional counseling emphasises healthy eating patterns without binge episodes, and medical supervision monitors for purging-related complications. Family involvement may be required for emotional containment and supervision to prevent purging episodes.
In both disorders, treatment is individualised and may include psychotherapy, nutritional rehabilitation, medical monitoring, and sometimes pharmacotherapy to address comorbid conditions like anxiety or depression.
Recovery and Support
Recovery from an eating disorder can take time and a multipronged approach, such as mental health care, primary care, and support from loved ones. If a person experiences significant complications from Purging Disorder, ongoing medical care can help, such as dental enamel treatment or dental implants.
Seeking Help
If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support: call or text the 988 Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org, text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741, or find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
For those struggling with Purging Disorder, the National Eating Disorders Association Helpline offers phone, chat, and email support to connect people with local resources and treatment.
Prevalence
Purging Disorder affects about 0.5% of adolescent females, making it less common than Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa. However, people may go longer without a diagnosis, so it's important to be aware of the signs and seek help if needed.
External signs of Purging Disorder that loved ones may notice include seeming sick, weak, or tired; teeth damage; frequent vomiting episodes; frequent use or purchasing of laxatives; periods of excessive exercise; and disappearing after meals.
If you suspect someone you know may be struggling with Purging Disorder, encourage them to seek help and support them in their journey towards recovery.
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