You CAN Beat Bulimia if you think you can!

Hello Bulimia Beaters!

Here's an inspirational poem By Raymond Holliwell, for you to print out and read everyday!

YOU CAN!

If you think you are beaten, you are.

If you think you dare not, you won't!

If you'd like to win but think you can't, it's almost a cinch you wont!

If you think you'll lose, you've lost, for out in the world

we find success begins with ther person's will.

It's all in the state of mind.

If you think you're outclassed, you are!

You have got to think high to rise.

You got to be sure of your self before you can ever win a prize.

Life's battles don't always go to the stronger or the faster ones.

But sooner or later, the person who wins is the person who thinks they can"

Bulimia recovery is the same ....you WILL succeed provided you think you CAN!

No more room for self doubts, second guesses, and defeated thoughts folks!

It's time to rise and walk in the direction you wish to carve your bulimia free path!

Happy World's Women Day !

with warm wishes

Vathani

Vathani Navasothy

www.BulimiaHope.com

What Are The Optional Therapies For Bulimics?

Two of the most accepted treatments for bulimia nervosa include pharmacological treatments (the use of powerful drugs to curb the bulimic tendencies) and psychotherapeutic treatments (psychological evaluation, re-education and cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT.) But it is important to remember that different people are affected differently by this medical condition. There are many individual variations in the signs and symptoms of bulimia nervosa. This is likewise the case in terms of the severity and incidence rate of both binging and purging instances. The problem is further compounded by the fact that this condition takes hold at different ages. In some instances, serious cases of bulimia strike patients at the onset of adolescence, while at other times it occurs in a person's late 20's.

Following the majority rule for mind-related ailments, some bulimia treatment options are successful for a small percentage, while the rest with this condition are still looking for cures. It is accurate to state that a lot of folks suffering from bulimia have tried successive therapies, including combining some treatments in the hope of a faster cure. Both traditional and alternative treatments can be prescribed singly or together - with the strict and full cooperation of the patient to the treatments. Hypnotherapy, acupuncture, and activities for releasing stress are a few of the known remedies that are alternative which show positive, but limited success.

Acupuncture has been used for centuries as an accepted form of practice in alternative therapy. This type of treatment for bulimics has proven effective in relieving the continual urge to binge and purge. In some cases, the person with bulimia nervosa feels less inclined to practice unhealthy eating habits due to the general feeling of well-being after each acupuncture session. However, only a small number of people are naturally predisposed to sought this kind of treatment and the patient’s cooperation (and willingness to believe) in the remedy plays the most crucial role in the healing process.

Hypnotherapy is generally utilized in cases where patients are experiencing some type of depression. It is an accepted theory that people with bulimia nervosa also suffer from anticipated disorders like anxiety disorders and depression. Sometimes hypnotherapy is used as part of a psychotherapy course of treatment. Again, very few people can actually be placed under hypnosis or follow suggested actions to overcome both bulimia and depression.

Elderly patients, as well as mild sufferers of the disorder, may find stress relief through calming activities that reduce the effects of depression, which leads to a reduction in binging and purging. Calming exercise such as yoga, or tai chi, along with meditation and massage therapy, can be useful to a person in connecting with their body in a positive manner. Typically, MNT or dietary therapies will be added once the patient responds to this type of bulimia treatments. This involves re-educating the patient regarding a proper diet for optimal health.

What Is The Best Treatment for Bulimia?

The best approach in the treatment of bulimia is actually a balanced combination of all the treatments that will match closely a particular patient’s profile and circumstances. In this multidisciplinary approach, the patient’s doctor, psychiatrist, and dietitian are involved. In some cases where complications from the eating disorder have arisen, a surgeon or endocrinologist may have to render their services. Lastly, the help of a dentist can also contribute in the detection and ongoing treatment of bulimia.

This multidisciplinary bulimia treatment plan should have the following goals:

• Treatment of physical complications
• Treatment of psychiatric conditions, including changing of the patient’s thoughts, attitudes, and feelings related to and causing bulimia
• Elimination of binge eating and purging
• Providing of education on nutrition
• Motivating the patient to practice healthy eating patterns and attitudes
• Getting the family to support the treatment as well as also providing the family with counseling, and
• Preventing the patient from going to relapse

The psychiatric aspect of the treatment includes all or a combination of the following psychological methods:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Interpersonal therapy
• Nutritional rehabilitation and counseling
• Family therapy
• Couple therapy
• Support groups and guided self-help
• Psychodynamic psychotherapy
• Bright light therapy

During psychiatric treatment, it is important that diet and nutrition is not just discussed but actually implemented. The role of the counselor in this aspect is important as the patient will be required to follow a structured meal plan. This will promote proper nutritional intake and reduces the urges to binge and purge.

The medical aspect of the treatment includes all or a combination of inpatient care, surgical care, and medication.

Inpatient care is given in cases of medical complications and infections, incapacity of the patient to function in daily life, absence of a support structure, failure of outpatient bulimia treatment methods, or risk of suicide. Surgical care is required when patients develop gastric dilatation, which is severe and uncontrollable vomiting that happens right after food consumption. This condition is one major cause of bulimia-related deaths. Surgical treatment is also required if the patient develops esophageal tear.

Medication for the treatment of bulimia is often in the form of antidepressants. These are helpful for patients who have symptoms of depression and anxiety. Medication is used to complement ongoing psychological treatment. Antidepressants that have proven effectiveness in most cases and have fewer negative side effects are SSRIs or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors.

Other medications that have been tried in treating mood disorders associated with bulimia are tricyclic antidepressants, topiramate, lithium, valproic acid, ondansetron, baclofen, and methylphenidate. In prescribing medication, doctors must present and discuss the benefits and risks related to antidepressant treatment with the patients and their families. The importance of making this decision can hardly be overemphasized for young patients such as children and adolescents.