What causes Bulimia Nervosa?
The exact cause is not clear. Some people blame the media and fashion which portrays the idea that it is fashionable to be slim. This can put pressure on some people to try and be slim which can then lead to an eating disorder.
There may be some genetic factor to develop bulimia which is triggered by stressful or traumatic life experiences. For example, some people with bulimia have had a childhood where there were frequent family problems with arguments and criticism at home. Some people with bulimia have even been abused as a child.
Sometimes bulimia is also associated with some other psychological problem. (That is, the bulimia is sometimes just a part of a broader mental health problem.) For example, there is a higher than average rate of bulimia in people with anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, post traumatic stress disorder and some personality disorders.
A chemical called serotonin which is in parts of the brain is thought to have something to do with bulimia. In some way one or more of the above factors, or even other unknown factors, may lead to a low level of serotonin.
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Where to next?
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What are the treatments for Bulimia Nervosa?
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Anorexia nervosa
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Outlook and treatment for anorexia nervosa?
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Risk of anorexia could be predicted
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Agoraphobia
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Body dysmorphic disorder
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Mental health - the facts
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Phobias
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Post-natal depression
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Self-harm: More teenagers are using it to cope
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UK women are getting more anxious
