Bulimia Nervosa

UK’s leading experts in eating disorders and body image difficulties

WHAT IS BULIMIA?

Bulimia nervosa refers to an eating disorder in which people binge eat at least once a week for three months, engage in compensatory behaviours to try and prevent weight gain, and judge themselves based on their weight and/or shape. Bingeing is when one eats a large amount of food (family bag of crisps / large bar of chocolate / loaf of bread) in a short space of time, whilst experiencing a sense of loss of control (feeling unable to stop). The compensation can take a number of forms: purging (vomiting / taking laxatives) or dieting/skipping meals/exercising in an attempt to compensate for the binge. When people use dieting or exercise to compensate for bingeing, it is called “non-purging bulimia.” Sometimes people experience a sense of loss of control over eating, despite not eating a large amount of food. This may be “subjective binge eating,” which can still cause a lot of distress and requires treatment - although this is more likely to fall under the diagnosis of OSFED (Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder).

WHAT MAINTAINS BULIMIA?

Those struggling with bulimia are often trapped in a highly distressing cycle of unhealthy eating behaviours, with both physiological factors (hunger) and psychological factors (stress, guilt, shame or low mood) feeding into the bingeing. Because of the compensatory behaviours, people with bulimia are typically in the healthy weight range, although frequent large binges can cause weight gain. However, as with other eating disorders, people with bulimia are likely to experience high levels of body dissatisfaction and often have a strong desire to lose weight. Bulimia can also be associated with depression, low self-esteem, binge-drinking or self-harm.


WHAT IS THE BEST TREATMENT FOR BULIMIA NERVOSA?

Effective bulimia treatment needs to target both the physiological and emotional triggers, as well as the underlying causes.Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is known to be the most effective treatment for bulimia nervosa and so is most commonly recommended by our clinicians. Other helpful bulimia treatments available in London could include Family Based Therapy (especially for children or adolescents) or DBT.

Specialist Team

The London Centre comprises specialist health professionals trained in evidence-based treatments for eating disorders. The team include:

  • Psychiatrists

  • Clinical Psychologists

  • Counselling Psychologists

  • Trainee Psychologists

  • Occupational Therapists

  • Dietitians

  • Family/Couple Therapists

Diverse Treatment Options

The clinic's specialist nature and the experience of its team also enable the offering of a wide variety of treatment approaches and therapies. The clinics offer both in-person and remote consultations for bulimia rehab.

Personalised Care

At the London Centre, we believe it's important to align our patients with both the right clinician and the appropriate treatment. While we ensure the use of evidence-based therapies, we also ensure taking the time to listen to client preferences. This approach enables us to find the therapist and approach that best suits your needs, including inquiries on how to cure bulimia or how to treat bulimia.
 

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How it works

Our team conducts a comprehensive evaluation, leveraging the expertise of multiple specialists, to ensure that our bulimia therapy is effective and tailored to your personal recovery.

 

Step 1

Contact Us

Before making an appointment, you can contact us with any questions you might have via phone, email, or by using our online contact form. Your first contact will more than likely be with Kerry, our wonderful PA.

Step 2

Assessment

Before the initial session, clients are requested to complete a brief questionnaire regarding their current circumstances, preferences, and availability for appointments. While not mandatory, this information assists us in matching individuals with the most suitable clinician for bulimia counseling and bulimia diagnosis.

Step 3

First Session

Following the assessment, clients will have a session to discuss their recommended treatment plan. A start date will be agreed upon, and arrangements will be made for an initial session.
 

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