Bulimia And Anorexia

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Bulimia & Anorexia Nervosa
Both bulimia & anorexia are eating disorders. The term bulimia, derived from the Greek word for ox hunger, depicts the extreme nature of binge eating. It is characterized by compulsive overeating (binging) followed by self-induced purging. Anorexia Nervosa is defined by “a refusal to maintain minimal body weight within 15 percent of an individual's normal weight” (NAMI). Both of these eating disorders are extremely harmful to the body. Anorexia is more easily detected because the weight loss of the individual is so extreme. Bulimia, on the other hand, is less obvious because the individual might still appear healthy, & of normal weight. However, signs of bulimia appear in the mouth, whereas with anorexia, the mouth is unaffected. Therefore it is important, as a dental assistant, to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms that are visible within the mouth and take the necessary action. Both anorexia and bulimia are serious disorders; bulimia is a disorder that in many cases a dental assistant could recognize before anyone else. Therefore, the focus of this report will be on bulimia.
Bulimia is most prevalent in women (1-3%), whereas the occurrence among men is only 0.1%. Bulimia can be associated with age, gender, and race. “Most cases occur in late adolescence or early adult years with the median age of onset at 18 years” (ADHA 2003). Cases of bulimia typically occur in industrialized countries where food is plentiful and a preoccupation with thinness in women is apparent. It is common for bulimics to want to hide their habit; they may not look exceptionally thin, they will purge in privacy, and be very quick to deny any acquisitions.
It is important to recognize the risk factors associated with bulimia. Typically, individuals with bulimia have eating binges during or immediately following a diet. A family history of eating disorders and psychological factors such as depression...