What Is the Difference Between Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder?

Most people are familiar with the names of common eating disorders, such as bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. But most do not understand the similarities and differences between these serious mental health disorders. Proper education and early intervention are both important parts of the treatment process and are often considered to be essential for long-term recovery. As parents search for the best bulimia nervosa treatment centers for their teens, detailed information regarding these serious mental health conditions can help to provide peace of mind.

Bulimia Nervosa vs. Binge Eating Disorder

Bulimia Nervosa

Before parents type “bulimia nervosa treatment near me” into their browser search bar, it is a good idea to research more about the condition. This can help to prepare for the treatment process, how it will affect teens and their loved ones and set expectations for life after recovery.

Bulimia nervosa is characterized by binging on large amounts of food in a short period of time. These binges are typically followed by some form of negative purging behaviors that may include:

  • Self-induced vomiting
  • Excessive exercise
  • Laxative and/or diuretics abuse
  • Fasting
  • Enemas

Purging can quickly result in severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, irregular heartbeat, tooth decay, esophageal damage, etc. If left untreated, these health complications can also take a great toll on the heart and in some cases, may result in heart failure. This makes early intervention and finding the best bulimia nervosa treatment centers extremely important for adolescents with this type of eating disorder.

Binge Eating Disorder

Binge eating disorder is similar to bulimia nervosa in the sense that people with this condition also consume a large amount of food within a short period of time. With this type of eating disorder, people feel out-of-control over their eating habits, frequently binging without feeling hungry. They may also experience feelings of shame, disgust, and guilt regarding their binge eating behaviors.

However, people with binge eating disorder do not use any negative purging behaviors to rid themselves of the calories they have consumed. But that does not save them from dealing with a wide variety of health complications as a result of their condition. Most commonly, people with binge eating disorder have a higher risk of:

  • Obesity
  • Intestinal complications
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Stroke
  • Certain cancers
  • And more

Clementine Binge Eating and Bulimia Nervosa Treatment Centers

Early intervention gives teens with an eating disorder diagnosis a greater chance of avoiding additional health complications. Targeted adolescent treatment for anorexia, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder can not only help them develop more positive eating habits but can help them navigate life outside of treatment.

As parents and teens search for “binge eating and bulimia nervosa treatment near me,” keep these key factors in mind:

  • Start by acknowledging that there is a problem. Look closely at the relationship with food and eating behaviors.
  • It is very common for individuals with bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder to turn to fad dieting in order to control their weight and body shape. But this practice involves potentially dangerous calorie restriction and is not recommended.
  • Evaluate one’s personal beliefs with regard to eating. A balance of eating for nourishment and enjoyment is ideal. When a person binge eats, it is possible that neither nourishment nor enjoyment exists.
  • Seek professional treatment as soon as possible. Whether teens notice their disordered behaviors on their own or a family member suspects there is an issue, speaking with a doctor sooner rather than later is best.

Contact Clementine Today

With the help of a strong support system at home and early intervention, long-term eating disorder recovery is possible for teens. At Clementine binge eating and bulimia nervosa treatment centers, we are dedicated to providing the highest level of care for our clients in a safe and comfortable setting. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an eating disorder and are interested in learning more about the benefits or comprehensive treatment for anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder call 1.855.900.2221 and speak with one of our compassionate admissions specialists today.

Author Bio:
Mike is a health editor with a degree in Journalism and Social Communications, currently writing for several USA & UK publications. He is specialized in articles around health tips, workout plans, and other nutrition-related topics. His main aim is to help health charities to raise awareness on campaigns about misunderstood or commonly misdiagnosed conditions.