tal minerals, such as potassium. Vomiting causes other less deadly, but serious, problems. The acid in vomit wears the outer layer of the teeth and can cause scarring on the backs of hands when fingers are pushed down the throat to induce vomiting. Further the esophagus becomes inflamed and glands near the cheeks become swollen. As in anorexia, bulimia may lead to irregular menstrual periods and interest in sex may also diminish. Some individuals with bulimia struggle with addictions, including abuse if drugs and alcohol, and compulsive stealing. Like individuals with anorexia, many people with bulimia suffer from clinical depression, anxiety obsessive compulsive disorder, and other psychiatric illnesses. These problems place them at high risk for suicidal behavior. People who binge eats are usually overweight, so they are prone to medical problems, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Research, from the NIMH scientists, has shown that individuals with binge eating disorder have high rates of co-occurring psychiatric illnesses, especially depression.Eating disorders are most successfully treated when diagnosed early. Unfortunately, even when family members confront the ill person about his or her behavior, or physicians make a diagnosis, individuals with eating disorders may deny that they have a problem. Thus, people with anorexia may not receive medical or psychological attention until they have already become dangerously thin and malnourished. People with bulimia are often normal weight and are able to hide their illness from others for years. Eating disorders in males may be overlooked because anorexia and bulimia are relatively rare in boys and men. Consequently, getting and keeping people with these disorders into treatment can be extremely difficult.In any case, it cannot be overemphasized how important treatment is for the people who have these disorders. The longer eating behaviors persist, the more diff...
