Bulimia nervosa is a complicated eating disorder marked by cycles of binge eating followed by purging or other compensatory actions, driven by intense concerns about body image and self-worth. This condition heavily affects physical health, emotional well-being, and social connections.
At The Summit Wellness Group, we offer specialized, compassionate care to guide individuals toward lasting recovery from bulimia nervosa. Through our partial hospitalization program (PHP) and intensive outpatient program (IOP), we provide tailored, evidence-based treatment that addresses the whole person.
What is Bulimia Nervosa?
Bulimia nervosa is a serious mental health condition that includes recurrent episodes of consuming large quantities of food in a short time (binge eating) with a feeling of being unable to stop, followed by efforts to avoid weight gain through behaviors like vomiting, excessive exercise, or misuse of laxatives or diuretics.
As outlined in the DSM-5, bulimia differs from other eating disorders like anorexia nervosa because individuals typically maintain a normal or slightly above-average body weight, often masking the disorder from others.
Far more than a fixation on food, bulimia reflects deep emotional and psychological struggles. It often serves as a way to cope with stress, shame, or inadequacy. Breaking the cycle requires professional support to address both the physical damage and the underlying emotional triggers. The Summit Wellness Group is committed to helping clients navigate this path to recovery.
What Causes Bulimia Nervosa?
Bulimia nervosa arises from various interconnected factors, including genetics, biology, psychology, and environment.
- Research points to a genetic link, with individuals who have relatives with eating disorders, depression, or addiction facing higher risks.
- Men and women with first-degree relatives (meaning directly related, like a mother, father, or sibling) who struggle with eating disorders are more likely to develop one.
- Biologically, imbalances in brain chemicals like serotonin (which regulates mood) or dopamine (which affects impulse control) contribute to this disorder.
- Psychologically, traits like impulsivity, perfectionism, or low self-esteem are common, often compounded by dissatisfaction with one’s body.
- Social pressures, such as media-driven ideals of thinness or cultural norms valuing slimness, may also amplify the risk of developing bulimia nervosa or other eating disorders like binge eating disorder.
- Environmental factors, including childhood trauma, family conflicts, or experiences of bullying, can also play a significant role.
At The Summit Wellness Group, it is critical that we begin with a comprehensive assessment to understand each client’s history and pinpoint the specific drivers of their bulimia. We then craft a treatment plan that targets these root causes for meaningful, lasting change.
Signs and Symptoms
Bulimia nervosa manifests through a mix of physical, behavioral, and emotional indicators.
Physical symptoms may include:
- Swollen cheeks or jaw (from vomiting)
- Worn tooth enamel or cavities (from stomach acid)
- Persistent sore throat or hoarse voice
- Irregular periods in females
- Digestive problems like acid reflux or constipation
- Electrolyte imbalances (low potassium)
Behavioral signs often involve:
- Eating in secret or hiding food wrappers
- Frequent bathroom visits after meals
- Over-exercising or extreme dieting
- Using laxatives, diuretics, or diet pills
- Stockpiling food for binges
Emotionally, men and women with bulimia nervosa may experience:
- Guilt or shame about eating habits
- Preoccupation with weight or body shape
- Anxiety, depression, or mood swings
- Withdrawing from friends and family
Because bulimia is often hidden, it can go unnoticed without careful observation. Our team at The Summit Wellness Group is skilled at identifying these signs through detailed assessments, paving the way for early and effective intervention.
Long-Term Health Complications from Bulimia Nervosa
Unfortunately, if left untreated, bulimia nervosa can lead to severe, sometimes irreversible damage to the body and mind. The repeated binge-purge cycle stresses multiple symptoms, leading to complications such as:
- Irregular heart rhythms, heart failure, or sudden cardiac arrest due to electrolyte imbalances
- Esophageal damage, stomach ulcers, chronic reflux, or bowel irregularities
- Tooth decay, gum disease, or enamel erosion from frequent vomiting
- Infertility, irregular menstruation, or thyroid issues
- Cognitive difficulties, seizures, or nerve damage from nutrient deficiencies
- Persistent depression, anxiety, substance misuse, or heightened suicide risk
With a notable mortality rate tied to medical complications or suicide, bulimia demands urgent care. The Summit Wellness Group focuses on halting these risks through integrated medical and therapeutic support, helping clients rebuild their health.
Prevalence of Bulimia Eating Disorder
Bulimia nervosa affects roughly 1-2% of the population, with a higher incidence among young woman, particularly those in their teens to mid-20s. The disorder is about 10 times more common in females than males, though it is increasingly diagnosed in men and across cultural groups.
Once thought to affect Western societies primarily, bulimia is now recognized as a worldwide phenomenon, impacting diverse ethnicities and socioeconomic groups.
Those in high-risk environments, such as college settings or industries emphasizing physical appearance (modeling or sports), are particularly vulnerable.
The Summit Wellness Group embraces this diversity, offering inclusive care that respects each client’s background and experiences.
Treating Bulimia Nervosa Effectively
Treating bulimia nervosa requires a holistic, team-based approach to tackle its physical, emotional, and social dimensions. Core treatment strategies may include:
- Nutritional Counseling: Dietitians help clients establish regular eating patterns, curb binge urges, and promote a healthy relationship with food.
- Therapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the leading approach in our mental health treatment, helping clients reframe negative thoughts about food and body image. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) builds skills for managing emotions and impulses, while Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) addresses relationship issues.
- Medical Care: Ongoing heart health monitoring, electrolytes, and other vital functions. Antidepressants, such as SSRIs, may be used to treat co-occurring disorders like depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder, though they are not a primary solution for bulimia.
- Peer Support: Group therapy sessions or support networks foster connection and reduce isolation.
The Summit Wellness Group weaves these proven methods into our PHP and IOP, ensuring each client receives a customized path to recovery.
Partial Hospitalization Program at The Summit Wellness Group
Our PHP eating disorder treatment program is a robust day treatment program for clients needing intensive support without full-time hospitalization. Running five days a week for approximately 6 hours per day, it provides a structured, supportive space for those with bulimia nervosa to focus on healing while retaining some daily independence.
Our PHP eating disorder treatment in Georgia offers:
- Personalized Therapy: One-on-one individual therapy sessions with experienced therapists to explore triggers and build coping tools.
- Group Sessions: Peer-led discussions to share insights, strengthen relationships, and create community.
- Nutrition Support: Tailored nutrition plans and supervised eating with dietitians to break the binge-purge cycle.
- Health Monitoring: Regular medical check-ups to address physical concerns and ensure safety.
- Complementary Therapies: Yoga, meditation, and creative arts to enhance emotional balance and self-discovery.
Our PHP is designed to disrupt harmful patterns, foster emotional growth, and prepare clients for the next steps in their recovery journey, all within a caring environment.
Intensive Outpatient Treatment at The Summit Wellness Group
The IOP is crafted for clients transitioning from higher levels of care, such as inpatient or residential treatment, or those needing moderate support while managing daily responsibilities. Held 3-5 days for several hours per session, the IOP offers flexibility for those balancing work, school, or family life.
Highlights of our IOP treatment options include:
- Continued Therapy: Individual psychiatric care and support groups to maintain progress and prevent setbacks.
- Nutrition Guidance: Ongoing dietitian support to reinforce healthy eating habits.
- Practical Workshops: Training in stress management, self-acceptance, and resilience building.
- Family Engagement: Therapy sessions to improve family dynamics and bolster support systems.
The IOP is a vital bridge, helping clients apply recovery skills in real-world settings while staying connected to professional care.
How We Stand Out
The Summit Wellness Group redefines eating disorder treatment with a distinctive blend of expertise, compassion, and innovation. Here’s why we’re different:
- Personalized Treatment Plans: Every client receives a treatment plan tailored to their specific needs, based on in-depth evaluations.
- Whole-Person Approach: We combine therapy with mindfulness, movement, and nutrition education to nurture mind, body, and soul.
- Specialized Care Team: Our staff, including therapists, registered dietitians, and medical professionals, are experts in eating disorders and deliver top-tier care.
- Intimate Setting: Small group sizes ensure personalized attention and a tight-knit community.
- Cutting-Edge Methods: We blend proven therapies like CBT and DBT with modern innovations, such as trauma-focused care and virtual options.
- Long-Term Focus: Our programs prioritize relapse prevention and life skills, with robust aftercare planning for sustained success.
- Accessible Programs: Flexible scheduling and virtual sessions make treatment seamless and convenient.
- Family Therapy: In many cases, including loved ones in the treatment process helps build boundaries and repair relationships.
Unlike broad mental health programs, The Summit Wellness Group employs clinicians who specialize in eating disorders, offering unmatched insight into bulimia nervosa. Our warm, client-focused approach ensures everyone feels valued and empowered to heal.
Give Us a Call Today
Bulimia nervosa is a challenging disorder with far-reaching effects, but recovery is within reach with the proper support. The Summit Wellness Group is a dedicated treatment facility that aims to help individuals break free from bulimia through our PHP and IOP, which blend evidence-based therapies, nutritional care, and holistic practices.
By targeting the causes of bulimia and equipping clients with tools for lasting wellness, we lead the way in eating disorder recovery.
If you or someone you care about is battling bulimia nervosa, The Summit Wellness Group is ready to offer the expertise and encouragement needed to embrace a healthier, happier future through long-term recovery. Call us today at (770) 790-4510 to learn more.