The anxiety and secretiveness surrounding the bulimic cycle of behavior often leads to social isolation. Patients can become dependent on the various chemicals used in the binge-purge cycle such as laxatives, diuretics and diet pills. Some are also dependent on alcohol. These psychological effects can eventually severely interfere with the patient's ability to study, work or maintain healthy relationships. There are potentially life threatening consequences when prolonged purging leads to significant potassium loss.
Sudden death can occur when a severe depletion of potassium causes the heart to stop.
Other symptoms associated with the disorder include damage to the throat, the esophagus and stomach, amenorrhea, dry skin, loss of hair, dental decay, constipation and back pain. It has also been observed that over time, the methods of purging become less effective in controlling weight. As with Anorexia Nervosa, many bulimic patients resist treatment because they fear weight gain. However, what such patients do not realize is that the longer they practice this behavior, the less effective it is in maintaining body weight. There are several treatment strategies for bulimic patients.