When people hear the word purging or vomiting, the first term that comes to their mind is bulimia nervosa but while they purge, they aloe indulge in fasting. We often come across people who engage in intermittent fasting almost every other week and even this seems so off limit for some of us. Now imagine going to the extreme limits just to induce weight loss. Yes, such people do exist with an eating disorder such as a purging disorder
What is a purging disorder?
Purging in typical terms means a number of terms when it comes to eating, these can include engaging in excessive vomiting, using laxatives or medications more than required, intermittent fasting, etc. purging disorder is an eating disorder that involves purging to induce weight loss in individuals.
Keeping in mind that eating disorders are some of the deadliest mental health disorders to exist, with a mortality rate much higher than others as popular researches suggest, purging disorder is a very serious condition. Even though it is not that widely known as a few other eating disorders, the physical effects it can cause can damage both mentally and physically
What is bulimia nervosa?
Bulimia nervosa, often referred to as bulimia, is an eating disorder that is usually characterized by eating a large amount of food for a short period of time and then follows by a period of purging. People living with bulimia may purge or show purging symptoms along with a binge-purging behavior off and on.
Bulimia nervosa can cause serious obsessive behavior with wanting to achieve an unrealistic body size. People having this disorder might be obsessed with their weight and at the same time be critical about it. Furthermore, like other disorders, bulimia is also a life threatening condition.
So what is the difference between the two?
Many people just associate the word purging with bulimia nervosa but it is important to understand that purging behaviors can exist on their own as well in the absence of binging, an eating disorder commonly referred to as a purging disorder
While both a purging disorder and bulimia nervosa share purging behaviors, a few characteristics are useful in distinguishing the former from the latter. By differentiating the two disorders, you will be better at understanding your condition and reaching out to the right individuals for help.
COMPULSION OF BINGE EATING
As mentioned above, both the eating disorders share the same characteristic of purging at some point in time but what makes them different is the compulsion of binge eating in the case of bulimia nervosa. This can also be considered as the most prominent distinguishing feature between the two.
In the case of bulimia nervosa, a person first indulges in excessive binge eating in a short period of time and then gets conscious of their body shape or weight thus starting to shift focus towards purging. This form of purging includes excessive dieting, vomiting to induce weight loss, excessive exercise etc.
In contrast to bulimia nervosa, a purging disorder is not limited by the compulsion of a binge-purging behavior. People with such disorders directly start purging without previously having indulged in excessive eating.
LACK OF FORMAL DIAGNOSIS
Unlike bulimia, a purging disorder is not a formal diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental disorders (DSM-5). It is instead characterized as OSFED, or other specified Feeding or Eating disorder. In other terms, there is no proper definition of a purging disorder like the rest of the specified eating disorders.
It is worthy to highlight here that this lack of definition in the case of purging disorder does not mean there is any less severity in its condition compared to bulimia nervosa or anorexia. Popular research suggests that purging disorder is a clinically significant eating disorder that is likely to accompany other diagnoses as well.
CONTROL OF YOUR EATING PATTERNS
Another significant difference between the two can be that people having bulimia nervosa often tend to think that they are no longer in control of their bodies. Research suggests that people with bulimia, experience more sudden loss of control over their body and eating patterns than people with a purging disorder. One primary cause of this difference can be the excessive purging and binging episodes in a short period of time.
LEVEL OF SEVERITY OF THE CONDITION
Research suggests that purging disorder may be less severe than bulimia nervosa. People with purging disorders are known to experience more gastrointestinal distress after eating as compared to people with bulimia nervosa or other eating disorders.
In fact, according to Professor Keel and his colleagues, people with purging disorder resemble patients with anorexia nervosa more than bulimia in terms of their behaviors and social interactions.
TREATMENT FOR PURGING DISORDERS
People, who engage in purging or similar behaviors, might be reluctant or ashamed of seeking help. However, it is important to diagnose the condition as soon as possible and reach out to your friends and family to connect you with professional help.
COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY
CBT is generally advised since it is also effective in the treatment of various other eating disorders. Researchers have shown that CBT improves anxiety and depression symptoms, the excessive drive for unhealthy body standards such as body thinness etc. other treatment options can also include, medical care by hospitalization or through nutritional consulting and medication.
COPING WITH YOUR CONDITION
Here are some useful coping strategies for persons suffering from purging disorder. Keep in mind that nothing can replace professional treatment for eating disorders.
Don’t Make the Mistake of Trying to Recover in Isolation
Eating disorders do not arise in a vacuum, and they are not treated in the same way. It is critical to seek expert assistance in order to recover. It’s also a good idea to be open and honest with others, such as parents, friends, and school advisers, in order to get support and understanding. Talk to your treatment provider about techniques to process continuing interactions and feel less alone if you feel alone or have no support network.
Playing the Blame Game is a waste of time.
It’s not the fault of anyone. Even though you may have a problematic past, remember that no one person (you or a close person) is responsible for your condition. Eating disorders are formed by a complex web of factors and if you try to play the blame game, it will only add n to the emotional distress.
Don’t lose hope at all costs
Recovery is possible and you are worthy of receiving and the following treatment. It doesn’t matter if you think someone else has it worse or if you feel like there is no end in sight right now. Getting better from an eating disorder is an ongoing journey that requires you to trust in the process and believe that you will make it through the worst. For more information visit here https://www.youthtabletalk.com/
