Bulimia+Nervosa

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia is a psychological eating disorder characterized by occurrences of binge-eating followed by inappropriate techniques of weight control, purging.Vomiting, fasting, enemas, excessive use of laxatives and diuretics, and compulsive exercising, are all examples of inappropriate techniques of weight control.Binge eating consists of eating a much larger amount of food than most people in a similar situation. Rather than a response to intense hunger, binge eating is usually a response to depression, stress, or self-esteem issues. The individual experiences a loss of control which is then followed by a short-lived calmness. The calmness is followed by self-loathing. This cycle of overeating and purging typically becomes an obsession and is often repeated.
 * What is it?**

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http://sharing.theflip.com/session/32d0846dbb553831780132eaf6e1983d/video/14854215

Eating uncontrollably Purging Strict dieting Fasting Vigorous exercise Swollen glands in neck and face Heartburn Bloating Indigestion Constipation Dental problems Sore throat Bloodshot eyes
 * Symptoms **

Erosion of tooth enamel Dental cavities, sensitivity to hot or cold food Swelling and sorness in the salivary glands Stomach Ulcers Ruptures of the stomach and esophagus Abnormal buildup of fluid in the intestines Disruption in the normal bowel release function Electrolyte imbalance Dehydration Irregular heartbeat; severe cases heart attack
 * Health Risks **

Professions where people are more likely to obtain this disorder include: modeling, dancing, gymnastics, wrestling, and long-distance running.
 * Risk factors **





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=The ADHD and Bulimia Connection = =By [|Nicolas I.] = = = Posted Jan 22 2009 6:54pm
 * ADHD is a disorder that has numerous [|comorbids] ("comorbids" refer to disorders that often accompany or are seen alongside of ADHD). These include, but are not limited to: Depression, [|Tourette's], [|Conduct Disorders], Sleep Disturbances, Restless Legs Syndrome, Body mass and obesity issues, dysgraphia (poor writing skills and abilities), processing disorders, sensory integration disorders as well as several others.

In the midst of all of these co-occurring disorders, there are a few that often evade the attention of both researchers and the general public. One of these is the disorder **bulimia nervosa. ** Bulimia nervosa (which is often simply referred to as **bulimia ** ), which is often characterized by eating (and often binging) followed by purging, is a major issue in many industrialized nations, especially among teens and young women. Based on a study by Surman and co-workers, it appears that there is a relatively high correlation and [|prevalence of bulima and ADHD]. A link to a quick synopsis of the study can be found [|here], but for sake of time, I will summarize a few key findings from the article:

Impulsive behavior is a hallmark characteristic of ADHD, and impulsivity is also thought to be a major factor in bulimia as well. It is even hypothesized that some type of underlying factor may be responsible for governing both disorders.

Given the fact that the disorder of bulimia is expressed at much higher frequencies in young females in late adolescence and early adulthood, it is interesting to note that correlations between the two disorders were relatively weak for men and non-adult women. Additionally, this is worth mentioning because the percentage of individuals with ADHD is heavily skewed towards the male side. That being said, the fact that there was not more of a correlation between ADHD and bulimia in males could be a reflection of either a poor sample size or representation of t he general population, or a relatively weak connection between the two disorders (i.e., one this is unable to override the so-called gender bias of bulimia favoring women and ADHD favoring men).

These results were tallied from 4 relatively large sample pools previously constructed to evaluate the effects of ADHD over an extended, longitudinal, multi-year period of time. This suggests that some of these relatively strong bulimia/ADHD correlations did not appear simply due to random statistical chance. Like ADHD, bulimia has been tied to functional imbalances involving several systems of [|neurotransmitters, which include serotonin and norepinephrine]. It is also possible that hormonal surges during puberty may [|increase imbalances of neurotransmitters like serotonin], especially in females. Since [|serotonin levels are tied to feelings of satiation or fullness], imbalanced in this key neurotransmitter can interfere with the feedback of normal eating patterns. In addition to social and environmental pressures, this neurotransmitter imbalance may be another contributing factor to the prevalence of bulimia, anorexia and other eating disorders in females of this age. [|Stimulant medications], such as [|methylphenidate], which are often the first line of treatment for individuals with ADHD, especially those showing pronounced signs of impulsivity and hyperactivity, have shown potential in the [|treatment of bulimia], albeit through studies with very small sample sizes. Taking this one step further, it appears that genetics may be an additional overlapping factor involved in stimulant medication treatment for ADHD. For example, some research suggests that different forms of [|//**DAT1**// may be responsible for the effects of methylphenidate on appetite and eating behaviors] including purging ( //**DAT**// is short for " **//Dopamine Transporter Gene//**"). We have seen previously that there is a connection between the [|//DAT// gene and ADHD]. Located on human chromosome #5, [|//DAT1// has been linked to Parkinson's, Tourette's and substance abuse]. Additionally, proteins coded for by the [|//DAT//][|gene are expressed in high concentrations in the][|basal ganglia] region of the brain. The basal ganglia is essentially responsible, among other things, for determining how fast a person's brain "idles" For example, "type A" individuals, who are often workaholics, easily stressed, and always on the go at 100 miles per hour often have overactive basal ganglia, while the more relaxed, easy-going, "type B" personalities typically have less activity in this critical brain region. While there also appears to be a significant overlap between bulimia and depression, individuals with [|bulimia typically display higher basal ganglia activities] than those with isolated depressive symptoms.

Given the prevalent distribution of this gene's expressed proteins in key brain regions like the basal ganglia, and the role of involvement of these brain regions in eating disorders, the //DAT // gene may be an important determining and regulating factor for bulimia and other eating disorders, especially in the context of comorbid ADHD. ||