National Eating Disorders Association Week 07 - February 25th - March 3rd
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About the site and a note from Me
Hi, I am 16 years old and i run alot of other myspace pages, i started this page because a while back one of my close friends was struggling with bulimia and i wanted to help others with the same problems or different problems, i would really rather appreciate it if you didnt send me hate email or something saying you dont want to recover from it, if you dont, im not going to force you into things you dont want to do, im just here to talk, im not here to be a dictator, im not a professional im just a normal person who wants to make a difference by helping others.Anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is a psychiatric diagnosis that describes an eating disorder characterized by low body weight and body image distortion. Individuals with anorexia often control body weight by voluntary starvation, purging, vomiting, excessive exercise, or other weight control measures, such as diet pills or diuretic drugs. It has one of the highest mortality rates of any psychiatric condition, with approximately 10% of people diagnosed with the condition eventually die due to related factors. Anorexia nervosa is a complex condition, involving psychological, neurobiological, physiological and sociological components.

Anorexia is a life threatening condition that can put a serious strain on many of the body's organs and physiological resources. A recent review of the scientific literature outlined a number of reliable findings in this area. Anorexia puts a particular strain on the structure and function of the heart and cardiovascular system, with slow heart rate (bradycardia) and elongation of the QT interval seen early on. People with anorexia typically have a disturbed electrolyte imbalance, particularly low levels of phosphate which has been linked to heart failure, muscle weakness, immune dysfunction, and ultimately, death. Those who develop anorexia before adulthood may suffer stunted growth and subsequent low levels of essential hormones (including sex hormones) and chronically increased cortisol levels. Osteoporosis can also develop as a result of anorexia in 38-50% of cases, as poor nutrition lead to the retarded growth of essential bone structure and low bone mineral density.

Furthermore, changes in brain structure and function are early signs of the condition. Enlargement of the ventricles of the brain is thought to be associated with starvation, and is partially reversed when normal weight is maintained. Anorexia is also linked to reduced blood flow in the temporal lobes, although as this finding does not correlate with current weight, it is possible that it is a risk trait, rather than an effect of starvation.

Bulimia nervosa

Bulimia nervosa, more commonly known as bulimia, is an eating disorder. It is a psychological condition in which the subject engages in recurrent binge eating followed by an intentional purging. This purging is done in order to compensate for the excessive intake of the food and to prevent weight gain. Purging typically takes the form of vomiting; inappropriate use of laxatives, enemas, diuretics or other medication; excessive physical exercise, or fasting.
Bulimia is often less about food, and more to do with deep psychological issues and profound feelings of lack of control. Binge/purge episodes can be severe, sometimes involving rapid and out of control feeding that can stop when the sufferers "are interrupted by another person or when their stomach hurts from over-extension. This cycle may be repeated several times a week or, in serious cases, several times a day." Sufferers can often "use the destructive eating pattern to gain control over their lives"

Differences between anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa
The main criteria differences involve weight, as an anorexic must technically be classified as underweight (defined as a BMI 18.5, though to be diagnosed with anorexia, the patient generally must have a BMI of less than 17.5). Typically an anorexic is defined by the refusal to maintain a normal weight by self-starvation. Another criteria which must usually be met is amenorrhea, the loss of her menstrual cycle not caused by the normal cessation of menstruation during menopause. Generally the anorexic does not engage in regular binging and purging sessions. In the rare instant that this is observed, in that the patient binges and purges as well as fails to maintain a minimum weight they are classified as a purging anorexic, due to the underweight criteria being met. Characteristically, those with bulimia nervosa feel more shame and out of control with their behaviors, as the anorexic meticulously controls their intake, a symptom that calms their anxiety around food as they feel they has control of it, naïve to the notion that it, in fact, controls them . For this reason, the bulimic is more likely to admit to having a problem, as they do not feel they are in control of their behavior. The anorexic is more likely to believe they are in control of their eating and much less likely to admit to needing help, or that a problem even exists in the first place. Similarly, both anorexics and bulimics have an overpowering sense of self that is determined by their weight and their perceptions of it. They both place all their achievements and successes as the result of their body, and for this reason are often depressed as they feel they are consistently failing to achieve the perfect body. For the bulimic, because she cannot achieve the low weight they feels physically that they are a failure and this outlook infiltrates into all aspects of their life. The anorexic cannot see that they are truly underweight and is constantly working towards a goal that they will never meet. Because of this misconception they will never be thin enough, and therefore will be always working towards this unattainable goal. They too allow this failure at achieving the “perfect body” to define their self worth. As both the anorexic and bulimic never feel satisfaction in the more important part of their lives, depression often accompanies these disorders. Myths about eating disorders
There are many myths and half-truths surrounding eating disorders. Which of these are true and which are just myths? Listed here are some of the more popular myths about eating disorders.
Myth #1. Only teenage girls suffer from eating disorders.
For several years, it was believed t that only teenage girls are afflicted by eating disorders. However, studies prove that even though the problem may start during puberty, teenage girls are not the only ones who may suffer from this condition. It was proven that even children, older women and men can easily fall prey to this terrible disorder.
Myth #2. Once afflicted, you can never recover from an eating disorder.
Although eating disorders may require long-term treatment, recovery from the disorder is not far from possible. However, your willingness to recover, unquestioning dedication and the proper treatment are the keys to achieving your goal.
Myth #3. Straight men cannot have eating disorders.
It was believed that only men who are gay can "catch" the malady. This again is a false statement. One's sexual preference has no bearing on the development of eating disorders.
Myth #4. Eating disorders are a problem with food.
This is another misleading statement. Eating disorders are not a problem with food but rather a symptom of a more serious underlying problem. Persons afflicted with eating disorders may use food to comfort themselves or may exert control over their food intake and body weight to numb painful feelings or emotions. They may use these measures to feel that they have certain aspects in their lives, which they can control.
Myth #5. You can pinpoint anorexics based on their appearances.
Not all anorexics are like the ones featured in talk shows. Some anorexics are merely 5 to 15 pounds underweight. However, just because they do not look withered and wasted they are not considered safe from the dangerous complications brought about by this problem. They can still suffer from the damaging effects of the disorder.
Myth #6. Bulimics prefer to purge solely by forced vomiting.
Vomiting is not the only way bulimics purge themselves of the extra calories they have taken in. Purging may also be done through the use of laxatives, diuretics or water pills, diet pills, fasting or excessive exercising. Bulimics may even use a combination of these methods.
Myth #7. Anorexics shy away from calorie-rich foods.
Just because anorexics tend to avoid fattening foods, some of them do eat these types of foods on a regular basis. If they were to choose, some anorexics may limit their food and calorie intake for a day to a single candy or chocolate bar.
Myth #8. Anorexics do not binge or purge.
Binging and purging are only practiced by bulimics. Wrong. Many anorexics do binge occasionally. Due to their extreme fear of food, they will then purge whatever they have put in their system afterwards.
Myth #9. Bulimia is not a life-threatening condition."One cannot die from bulimia." This statement is not true. Purging with the use of laxatives, diuretics and diet pills poses a grave threat to the normal functioning of our bodily systems. Continuous purging may damage the esophagus, the stomach and the heart muscles and result to the loss of important minerals in the body including potassium, magnesium and sodium. These chemical imbalances are one of the leading known causes of heart failure.
Myth #10. Binge-eating is not an eating disorder.
It is true that binge-eaters are not obsessed with their body weight like anorexics or bulimics but this is also a very serious eating disorder. As such, people who are considered binge-eaters require special medical attention as well. Like anorexics and bulimics, binge-eaters also use food to block out painful or traumatic events in their lives.
Myth #11. A person cannot have more than one type of eating disorder.
Contrary to popular belief, a person can have more than one type of eating disorder. There are cases when an anorexic goes on a binge-purge episode on more than one occasion. This just goes on to prove that eating disorders are not the problem but are merely the symptoms of a deeper and more serious underlying cause.
Binge Eating Disorder
Binge eating disorder is a psychiatric disorder in which a subject:
* periodically does not exercise control over consumption of food * eats an unusually large amount of food at one time, like a whole pizza * eats much more quickly during binge episodes than during normal eating episodes * eats until physically uncomfortable * eats large amounts of food, even when they are not really hungry * always eats alone during binge eating episodes, in order to avoid discovery of the disorder * often eats alone during periods of normal eating, owing to feelings of embarrassment about food * feels disgusted, depressed, or guilty after binge eating
Binge eating is an element of another eating disorder, bulimia nervosa. The formal diagnosis criteria are similar: at least two binges per week for an extended period of time.[1] In bulimia, however, episodes of binge eating are followed by purging, periods of fasting, or performance of strenuous exercise - indeed, "exercise bulimia," in which a person eats normally but then engages in strenuous exercise, is an inverse form of bulimia. People with binge eating disorder, by contrast, do not purge, fast or engage in strenuous exercise after binge eating. Additionally, people with bulimia are typically of normal weight or may be slightly overweight (the purging, etc., have little to no effect on the subject's body fat), whereas people with binge eating disorder are typically overweight or obese.
Binge eating disorder is similar to, but it is distinct from, compulsive eating. People with binge eating disorder do not have a compulsion to overeat and do not spend a great deal of time fantasising about food. On the contrary, some people with binge eating disorder have very negative feelings about food. As with other eating disorders, binge eating is an expressive disorder - that is, the disorder is an expression of a deeper, psychological problem.
It is actually hotly contested whether binge eating disorder has its own diagnosis. Some believe that it is a milder form, or subset of bulimia nervosa, but others argue that it is its own distinct disorder. Currently, the DSM-IV categorizes it under Eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS), simply stating that more research is needed
Binge eating disorder is not the most common eating disorder. It is the third most dangerous eating disorder. Most people with this problem are either overweight or obese (discussed below), but people of normal weight can also have the disorder.
About 2 percent of all adults in the United States (as many as 4 million Americans) have binge eating disorder. About 10 to 15 percent of people who are mildly obese and who try to lose weight on their own or through commercial weight-loss programs have binge eating disorder. The disorder is even more common in people who are severely obese.
Binge eating disorder is a little more common in women than in men; three women for every two men have it. The disorder is found in all ethno-cultural and racial populations.
People who are obese and have binge eating disorder often became overweight at a younger age than those without the disorder. They might also lose and gain back weight more often.
No one knows for sure what causes binge eating disorder. As many as half of all people with binge eating disorder have been depressed in the past. Whether depression causes binge eating disorder or whether binge eating disorder causes depression is not known.
Many people who are binge eaters say that being angry, sad, bored, or worried can cause them to binge eat. Impulsive behavior and certain other emotional problems can be more common in people with binge eating disorder. However, many people also claim that binging occurs regardless of their mood.
It is also unclear if dieting and binge eating are related. Some studies show that about half of all people with binge eating disorder had binge episodes before they started to diet.
Researchers also are looking into how brain chemicals and metabolism (the way the body uses food energy) affect binge eating disorder. This research is still in the early stages.
People with binge eating disorder can get sick because they may not be getting the right nutrients. They usually eat large amounts of fats and sugars, which don't have a lot of vitamins or minerals.
People with binge eating disorder are usually very upset by their binge eating and may become very depressed.
People who are obese and also have binge eating disorder are at risk for type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, levels, gallbladder disease, heart disease, certain types of cancer.
Most people with binge eating disorder have tried to control it on their own, but have not been able to control it for very long. Some people miss work, school, or social activities to binge eat. Persons who are obese with binge eating disorder often feel bad about themselves and may avoid social gatherings.
Most people who binge eat, whether they are obese or not, feel ashamed and try to hide their problem. Often they become so good at hiding it that even close friends and family members don't know they binge eat.
People who are not overweight should avoid dieting because it sometimes makes their binge eating worse. Dieting here means skipping meals, not eating enough food each day, or avoiding certain kinds of food (such as carbohydrates or fats). Many people with binge eating disorder are obese and have health problems because of their weight. People with binge eating disorder who are obese may find it harder to stay in a weight-loss program. They also may lose less weight than other people, and may regain weight more quickly. (This can be worse when they also have problems like depression, trouble controlling their behavior, and problems dealing with other people.) These people may need treatment for binge eating disorder before they try to lose weight.
People with binge eating disorder, whether or not they want to lose weight, should get help from a health professional such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or clinical social worker for their eating behavior. Even those who are not overweight are usually upset by their binge eating, and treatment can help them. There are several different ways to treat binge eating disorder. Cognitive-behavioral therapy teaches people how to keep track of their eating and change their unhealthy eating habits. It also teaches them how to change the way they act in tough situations. Interpersonal psychotherapy helps people look at their relationships with friends and family and make changes in problem areas. Drug therapy, such as antidepressants, may be helpful for some people.
Researchers are still trying to find the treatment that is the most helpful in controlling binge eating disorder. The methods mentioned here seem to be equally helpful. For people who are overweight, a weight-loss program that also offers treatment for eating disorders might be the best choice.
If you think you might have binge eating disorder, it's important to know that you are not alone. Most people who have the disorder have tried but failed to control it on their own. You may want to get professional help. Talk to your health care provider about the type of help that may be best. The good news is that most people do well in treatment and can overcome binge eating.
Night Eating Syndrome
Night Eating Syndrome is a disorder where the affected individual wakes multiple times during the night and is unable to fall back asleep unless they eat something. Foods eaten during the binge are often high caloric in content and unhealthy. The night eating behavior seems totally beyond the effected individual's control. For these individuals, 35% or more of their calories are eaten after dinnertime. Following the night binge, the person is often not hungry in the morning. Individuals suffering from Night Eating Syndrome are often caught in the vicious cycle of binge eating during the night and eating less during the day. Triggers for Night Eating Syndrome include depression, anxiety, interpersonal stressors, boredom, prolonged dieting, and body image dissatisfaction. Night eating may temporarily relieve the stress of these unwanted feelings, but for the night eater these episodes are unfortunately followed by feelings of guilt, shame, disgust, and further depression. For the person suffering from Night Eating Syndrome, the eating episodes usually occur in secret and any evidence is often hidden from others. Similar to Anorexics, Bulimics, and Compulsive Overeaters, individuals suffering from Night Eating Syndrome are often struggling and unhappy with their weight. It is estimated that up to one percent of the population may be suffering from Night Eating Syndrome. Like Anorexia Nervosa Bulimia Nervosa, and Compulsive Overeating, Night Eating Syndrome is a disease and cannot be cured with willpower alone.
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