The doctor will want to make certain the disorder is bulimia and not another recently recognized eating problem, binge eating disorder. Binge eating, which is more common than bulimia, involves eating abnormal amounts of food and leads to significant weight gain. Low self esteem and depression are among the possible causes. Binge eating is not accompanied by frantic attempts to undo the excess intake. Treatment options Early diagnosis and treatment of bulimia are important because the longer the disorder continues, the more difficult treatment becomes.
Hospitalization usually offers the best hope of successful treatment.
In a controlled setting doctors and dieticians establish a healthy eating regimen to restore control over eating habits. The hospitalized bulimic patient usually takes part in individual and group therapy. This can allow the person to begin confronting the underlying personal and family problems that helped bring on the disorder. Once hospitalized patients show clear signs of progress in dealing with their eating and emotional problems, they are usually allowed to go home. But psychiatric counseling and physical checkups should continue on a regular basis for months or longer.