The Intervention Continues:
How to Help Someone with Bulimia Nervosa
Judith's comments
Like Mary, many women with bulimia beg for a trial of outpatient therapy for
bulimia before entering an eating disorders treatment center. Often, with
enough support, they can break the binge-purge cycle. It isn't easy, and it
takes great determination - almost like having a second job.
Dr. Gilbert sensed that Mary's desire to get well on her own was genuine and
arose from within her. She also knew that getting involved in a power struggle
with Mary wouldn't help since issues of control are central to Mary's illness.
In the end, Dr. Gilbert decided to support Mary's autonomy. Julia had also
tried to support Mary, but she did it by talking to Mary as if she were a
little girl. Dr. Gilbert treated Mary as a capable adult.
Did You Know?
According to James E. Mitchell, MD, and his research group at the University
of Minnesota Medical School:
- Bingeing usually begins after a period of restrictive dieting.
- Purging behaviors (excessive exercising, use of laxatives, or vomiting)
begin approximately one year after binge eating begins.
- The average length of time women spend bingeing ranges from 15 minutes to 8
hours, with an average duration of 75 minutes.
- People with bulimia binge an average of 11.7 times each week.
- During binges, people with bulimia consume an average of 3,415 calories,
the total number ranging from 1200 to 5000.
Judith Recommends:
"My Name is Caroline," by Caroline Adams Miller (Gurze
Publishing). It can be ordered on-line at www.gurze.com.
This is the inspirational yet realistic story of a high-achieving Harvard
College student who appeared to have it all - and who suffered in secret from
bulimia for years. It chronicles her eventual victory over her eating disorder.
According to Kirkus Reviews, this is "An important, affirmative book for
overeaters who've lost hope of a cure."
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