How does non purging bulimia present differently?
The differences between purging and non purging bulimia are as follows:
Bulimia with purging symptoms
- Body image distortion.
- Disordered eating.
- Anxiety.
- Perfectionism.
- Shame and distress after binging.
- Low self-esteem.
- Self hatred.
- Binging episode: followed by self-induced vomiting or misuse of laxative.
- Obsession with weight loss.
- Privacy surrounding behaviors: both binging and purging are done privately.
- No self control during binges.
Non-purging bulimia symptoms
- Body image distortion.
- Disordered eating.
- Anxiety.
- Perfectionism.
- Shame and distress after binging: after binging but not the excessive exercise.
- Low self-esteem.
- Self hatred.
- Binging episode: followed by excessive exercise or fasting.
- Obsession with weight loss.
- Privacy surrounding behaviors: only the binging is done privately. Other compensatory behaviors are not done privately.
- No self control during binges.
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Signs and symptoms of non-purging bulimia
There are many signs of non-purging bulimia, including: (1,2)
- Behaviors and views focused on weight loss, dieting, and physical appearance
- Rigid rituals surrounding food and eating
- Eliminating or only eating certain foods or food groups
- Avoiding eating with other people
- Eating in secret
- Hiding or hoarding food
- Disappearance of large amounts of food
- Hiding empty food containers and packaging
- Skipping meals
- Fluctuating weight
- Mood swings
- Gastrointestinal pains
- Dizziness, fatigue, weakness
- Feeling cold
- Sleep problems
- Dry skin, brittle nails, thinning hair
- Swelling
Treatment for non-purging bulimia
Like other eating disorders and mental health conditions, non-purging bulimia is very complex with many risk factors and co-occurring conditions, such as childhood trauma, dysfunctional personal relationships and family dynamics, anxiety, and depression. Non-purging bulimia is best addressed with a comprehensive treatment plan with a multidisciplinary approach that can include psychotherapy, medical care to address medical complications, nutrition therapy, movement therapy, and experiential therapies. Treatment programs are individualized to suit each person’s needs.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one type of psychotherapy that can be effective for non-purging bulimia. One study found a full remission rate of 35.5% with this type of group therapy over the course of 22 weekly sessions.(3) However, there are other therapies that have had positive outcomes in treating eating disorders.
They include:
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Cognitive remediation therapy (CRT)
- Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
- Emotionally focused therapy (EFT)
- Exposure therapy
- Internal family systems (IFS)
- Interpersonal therapy (IPT)
Experiential treatments for bulimia can help a person heal by getting them out of their mind and into their body. They include:
- Art therapy
- Dance therapy
- Music therapy
- Psychodrama
- Wilderness therapy
- Recreational therapy
- Yoga therapy
- Adventure therapy
Always remember it’s not your fault. An eating disorder can be a way to cope with difficult feelings or situations and society’s sometimes unrealistic expectations about appearance. But there are healthier ways to deal with hard things. An individualized treatment plan can help you learn how to love your body and how to feel good about yourself and how to have a healthy relationship with food, eating, movement, yourself, and others. These are some things treatment for eating disorders will address.
Many programs have high success rates. (11) Asking for help if you think you or someone you love may be struggling with an eating disorder is not easy. But help is available. Reach out to our team today to learn more about our virtual program.
