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Tests for Bulimia



Tests for bulimia maybe hampered by the patient’s lack of knowledge about the condition or unwillingness to go through a diagnosis. Although bulimia is an eating disorder, the condition is as much about attitude to food as it is about food itself. Secrecy and guilt about this condition may make diagnosis difficult. Family, friends, and support groups around the patient may often have to take the first step towards tests.

Emotional support is important as are medical tests to ascertain severity of the condition or damage caused by bulimia. Your doctor may conduct certain preliminary tests that could include:

  • Blood tests, urine tests and a complete physical examination which allows the doctor to understand levels of nutrition, organ function and hormonal levels.
  • Additionally, your doctor may either conduct a psychological analysis or refer you to a psychologist to determine your attitude towards food and eating patterns   
  • Brittle bones, irregular pulse rate or heart beat are signs of bulimia and damage caused by erratic eating patterns. Your doctor may prescribe X-rays to check for fractures or broken bones and an electrocardiogram or ECG to determine any heart dysfunction.

Causes
Risk & Complications
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