Bulimia Nervosa
An eating disorder characterized by periods of binge eating followed by some forcing vomiting; misusing laxatives, diruetics or enemas; fasting; or excessive exercise to compensate for this overeating. People with bulimia cannot control their eating and have a paralyzing fear of becoming fat. It is associated with depression and other psychiatric disorders and shares symptoms with anorexia nervosa. Because many individuals maintain a normal or above-normal body weight, they are able to keep their condition a secret. Possible complications include pancreatitis, dental cavities, inflammation of the throat, electrolyte abnormalities, dehydration, constipation, hemorrhoids and esophageal tears.
