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Home Remedies for Bulimia


Therapy for bulimia may involve prescription drug therapy or psychotherapy. Here are a few different approaches you may expect:

  • Prescription drug therapy may involve taking a course of antidepressant drugs to alleviate problems such as depression, anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). These mental disorders often accompany or may even act as triggers to bulimia nervosa. Most prescription drugs address chemical imbalances in the brain or control symptoms of mental disorders and eating disorders. Certain prescription medication controls the serotonin levels in the brain, which send signals of satisfaction or a full stomach. This is particularly useful for individuals who are tempted to follow the binge purge cycle. However, research on specific drugs that alleviate bulimia symptoms continues.
  • Therapy for bulimia also includes psychotherapy such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) or Behavior Therapy (BT). This is usually a preliminary approach to understanding the triggers of bulimia. It analyzes the patient’s attitude towards food and what triggers binges. Cognitive Behavior therapy is often practiced as a group or sharing therapy. It involves three phases: resisting the binge purge cycle through education about physical and psychological damage, formulating a healthy diet and following it. Lastly, it teaches individuals to avoid a relapse. Behavioral therapy, on the other hand, makes individuals aware of negative behavior and replaces them with healthy attitudes.
  • Psychotherapy may include individual therapy, group therapy, supportive or family therapy and so on. Self-help groups help recovering bulimia patients find support and care under a well trained professional or group mentor.
  • Alternative therapies for bulimia include relaxation techniques, coping strategies, nutritional counseling, keeping a journal for diet and so on.

Prevention
Recovery
References
  1. Bulimia nervosa in overweight and normal-weight women Masheb, Robin / White, Marney A., Comprehensive Psychiatry, 53 (2), p.181-186, Feb 2012
  2. A Review Of The Definitions Of Outcome Used In The Treatment Of Bulimia Nervosa Williams, Sarah E. / Watts, Thomas K.O. / Wade, Tracey D., Clinical Psychology Review, In Press, Accepted Manuscript,Feb 2012