The distinction between eating disorders can be confusing. Although anorexia and bulimia may have some problems in common, other factors may differ. For parents, understanding the differences can be of crucial importance, since early diagnosis and appropriate treatment greatly improve the chances of a child to be healed. Here you will find information to help to distinguish between the two.

Definition:

anorexia is more common in young people, while bulimia is more often seen in women in their 20s. However, do not make the mistake of thinking there is an age limit for these diseases. The main differences between anorexia and bulimia, based on the definition of the American Psychiatric Association:

Bulimia

• Recurrent episodes of binge eating (average of at least two bulimic episodes per week for at least three months).

• A feeling of lack of control over food during the wedding.
To avoid
• Regular use of one or more of the weight gain, the following: vomiting, laxatives or diuretics, strict dieting or fasting or vigorous exercise.

• The persistence of over-concern with body shape and weight.

Anorexia Nervosa

• Refusal to maintain weight is on the lowest weight considered normal for age and body size.

• Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat even though underweight.

• body image.

• For women, three consecutive missed menstrual period without pregnancy.

signs and symptoms:

Although both disorders focus on an obsession with thinness, anorexics display noticeable weight loss is often severe, while bulimics usually maintain a healthy weight. Here are more signs and symptoms of these two eating disorders:

anorexia

• Avoid Eating

• Train to

• weight of food and calorie counts

• wear loose clothing

• Takes diet pills

• Has dry skin and hair loss

• It has a good hair on other parts of the body

• Acts moody or depressed

• chills

• Is it often dizziness

Bulimia

• Has a puffy face

• Train to

• Has swollen fingers
has
• cuts and calluses on the backs of the hands and fingers

• stains or discoloration of the teeth

• go to the bathroom a lot after eating (to purge)

Health problems:

Both diseases can cause serious health problems. Bulimia can affect the digestive system damage and electrolyte balance, the damage from the institutions. The hunger of anorexia causes the body to slow down to save energy to preserve what with negative consequences. In extreme cases, can both lead to death. Other health problems include:

anorexia

• Reduction of bone density

• setting of menses

• fatigue

• Depression

• irregular heartbeat, heart failure caused

• mild anemia

• Muscle loss

• renal failure due to possible dehydration

• Low blood pressure

Bulimia

• possible rupture of the esophagus from frequent vomiting

• fatigue

• Depression

• Abdominal pain

• irregular heartbeat, heart failure caused

• Constipation

• tooth decay from stomach acid

treatment:

In the search for treatment, the parents find their child resists admitting they are ill. In dealing with a child suffering from an eating disorder is the treatment for a team of specialists: doctors, nutritionists and therapists. Self-help groups and treatment centers are also effective. The goals of treatment options for anorexia and bulimia, based on the recommendations of the National Institute of Mental Health:

Anorexia: The treatment of anorexia has three phases:

• Restore weight loss

• Treat psychological issues such as depression, self-esteem, and interpersonal conflicts

• ensure the long-term recovery and rehabilitation

The use of anti-depressants for the treatment of anorexia nervosa is considered established only after weight gain.

Bulimia: The main objective in the treatment of bulimia is to eliminate binging and purging.

• create healthy eating habits and consistent, three meals daily at regular times

• Encourage healthy exercise not excessive,

• Treat psychological issues such as mood disorders or anxiety disorders

The use of antidepressants to treat bulimia has been shown to be useful for patients with bulimia and may help prevent relapse.


Treatment of anorexia