Use Hospitalization to Treat Bulimia
Bulimia nervosa, which is an eating disorder marked by binging and purging behaviors, can be deadly in advanced cases. Bulimic behavior can ravage the body, causing such medical conditions as dehydration, malnutrition, ulcers, pancreatic damage, high blood pressure, diabetes and internal bleeding. In addition, bulimia can cause clinical depression and lead to suicidal behavior. In severe cases, hospitalization may be the best way to treat bulimia.
Instructions
Use Hospitalization to Treat Bulimia
1. Undergo a thorough physical examination and psychiatric evaluation to determine the severity of your bulimia. It may be harder to diagnose a bulimic initially, since normal weight and appearance is often maintained, as opposed to anorexics. With bulimia, most of the damage is done to internal organs, so several medical tests will need to be performed in order to make an accurate assessment.
2. Determine the proper treatment for your bulimia during your hospitalization. Anti-psychotic drugs or antidepressants may be prescribed if your bulimia is connected with a personality or anxiety disorder. Prozac in particular has proven to be effective in treating bulimia.
3. Ask about nutritional counseling from a hospital dietitian who has been specifically trained in eating disorders and cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). Nutritional counseling can be an effective and practical way to adjust attitudes and perceptions about eating and to change undesirable behaviors quickly through behavioral modification techniques.
4. Remain focused and committed to your recovery. Individuals who use hospitalization to treat bulimia have a high relapse rate because of the perception that the hospital is a quick emergency "fix" to a long-term behavioral problem. Before you leave the hospital, arrange ongoing treatment for your bulimia, including psychotherapy, nutritional counseling and prescription medication.
5. Consider attending a support group for eating disorders after you are discharged from the hospital. Not only is this an affordable alternative to long and potentially costly sessions of psychotherapy, but it gives you a chance to hear how others cope with bulimia and have succeeded in overcoming this disorder.
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