Otherwise, hospitalization is necessary when the patient has lost all control over their eating and they cannot be treated on an outpatient basis. Hospitalization for bulimia sufferers is very limited these days. Medications are used to treat depression as well as group discussions. Structured eating programs at hospitals and treatment centers also help in restoring regulation to the body's systems. Patients are monitored to prevent vomiting.
Treatments can be very long but are necessary to help ensure there is no relapse.
Studies have shown that the vomiting and starvation associated with controlling weight is very dangerous. These practices can damage an individual's stomach lining and central nervous system and cause problems that are extremely difficulty to reverse. Reader's questions are answered by a panel of experts from Health Talk and You, a weekly television series hosted by Greg Vercellotti, M.D., University of Minnesota . This is an educational service and advice presented should not take the place of an examination by a physician.