Bulimia (cont.)

Medical Author:

Roxanne Dryden-Edwards, MD

Roxanne Dryden-Edwards, MD

Dr. Roxanne Dryden-Edwards is an adult, child, and adolescent psychiatrist. She is a former Chair of the Committee on Developmental Disabilities for the American Psychiatric Association, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, and Medical Director of the National Center for Children and Families in Bethesda, Maryland.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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When to Seek Medical Care

Any sign that a person may be suffering from an eating disorder is reason for that person to be evaluated by a doctor. People with bulimia generally have feelings of guilt about their behavior and are less likely than those with anorexia to deny that a problem exists when interviewed by an understanding professional. Your doctor would be a good first contact. The initial evaluation can help determine if a serious medical complication exists. Referrals to therapists experienced in the treatment of eating disorders can then be made.

Bulimia can cause a number of serious medical conditions that could require urgent treatment.

• Severe weakness, fainting, near fainting, or abdominal pain should be evaluated as soon as possible.
• Vomiting blood could indicate a tear of the esophagus or stomach and is a medical emergency.
• Many people with bulimia also suffer from clinical depression, and any behavior or statements from someone that suggests that the person may be contemplating suicide is reason to bring that person in for evaluation at once.