Bulimia Nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by a cycle of bingeing and compensatory behaviors, such as vomiting, abuse of laxatives, and over exercising. It is a severe disorder that affects 1-2% of adolescent and young adult women. Highlighting the neural mechanisms involved in the outset and maintenance of the disease is of great importance, in order to develop efficient treatments to help those suffering with the disease.
Some studies revealed a connection between Bulimia and Serotonin, a type neurotransmitter (molecules found in the brain, responsible of maintain the communication between neurons) often related with mood. The findings are still unclear, but some patients are currently treated with a combination of therapy and medications, that interact with Serotonin levels in the brain.
Unfortunately, the relapse rates for Bulimia are still high: in one study, a relapse rate of 31% was observed during the 2-year follow-up period of recovery, and the vast majority of relapses occurred within the first 6 months after treatment. Thus, the development of novel and more effective treatment is necessary.
The efforts to find new types of treatment must join forces with those who make efforts to change the pattern of ultra-thin ideal body, that has been spread all over the world. Evidence indicates that the maintenance of Bulimia is sustained by many factors, including genetic predisposition, personality traits such as impulsivity, social environment that overvalues body image, and environmental stressors.
It is impossible to know if the disease would still exist if we did not have such skinny standards of beauty, but it is certain that the ultra-thin ideal body plays a role in the maintenance of not only Bulimia, but other eating disorders, as Anorexia.
What is Bulimia Nervosa?
