Bulimia Nervosa Symptoms

(Also Known As: Bulimia Symptoms, Bulimic Symptoms, Eating Disorder Symptoms, Binge-Purge Disorder Symptoms)

(Reviewed by: Paul Peterson, Licensed Therapist)

What are the Symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa?

The common signs and symptoms attributable to bulimia include the following:

Physical

  • Uncontrollable eating mostly secretively done
  • Purging
  • Unstable weight
  • Sores in the throat and mouth
  • Severe dehydration from purging of fluids
  • Abnormal bowel functioning
  • Damaged teeth and gums or eroded tooth enamel
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Inflamed glands in the cheeks, neck and below the jaw
  • Decaying teeth due to stomach acids
  • GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disorder
  • Constipation
  • Blood-tinged vomit
  • Kidney problems from diuretic abuse
  • Intestinal distress and irritation from laxative abuse
  • Feeling of fatigue
  • Dry skin
  • Sores, scars or calluses on the knuckles or hands from forcing the body to vomit
  • Irregular menstrual cycle or even loss of menstruation (amenorrhea)
  • Bad breath
  • Substance abuse, especially alcohol
  • Weakness
  • Bloodshot eyes

Emotional and behavioral

  • Hoarding or stealing of food
  • Loss of control over eating that is accompanied with guilt and shame
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Continuous dieting
  • Excessive exercise to lose weight
  • Too much eating that only stops when they experience pain or discomfort in stomach
  • Misuse of laxatives, diuretics or enemas
  • Extremely and overly concerned with their physical appearance especially as to weight
  • Frequent use of bathroom after eating or at every meal

Could You Have Bulimia Nervosa?

Bulimia Nervosa Topics

Related Conditions

Anorexia Nervosa – Starvation, Over-Exercise, Laxatives, Diuretics, Warped Body Image
Anxiety Disorder NOS – Pathological Fears, Irrational Anxiousness, Stress, Phobias
Binge Eating Disorder – Eating Unusual Amount of Food, Depression, Anxiety, Guilty
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder – Anxiety, Obsessive, Compulsive Behavior Hidden to Others, Anxiety, Paranoid
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder – Nightmares, Insomnia, Sexual Abuse, Irritation, Social Impairment, Problems with Memory and Concentration, Intrusive Memories, Hyper-Vigilance