Bulimia Nervosa FAQ

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by cycles of binge eating and purging, or consuming a large amount of food in a short amount of time followed by an attempt to rid oneself of the food consumed (purging), typically by vomiting, taking a laxative, diuretic, or stimulant, and/or excessive exercise, because of an extensive concern for body weight.

What are the common reasons for bulimia?  

The way media portrays and idealizes a slim physique has often been found to be the main culprit. This in turn leads to peer pressure in teenage girls and youths to stay thin and results in distortion of body image. There can also be a biological or genetic predisposition.

What are the warning signs of the disease, if I were a parent, how can I detect it?

If the child starts becoming secretive about her meals, parents need to start taking note. Parents may notice that they try to restrict their diet and then loses control and binge eat at other times. They may disappear or spend a lot of time in the toilet, often to purge or vomit the food out.

What are the dangers of bulimia? Are they the same as anorexia, or more dangerous? (will the stomach acid harm the throat walls, other complications e.g?)

Bulimia and Anorexia are really two sides of the same coin. From a physical point of view, Anorexia and restricting one's diet is more dangerous. However,Bulimia can also cause a myriad of physical problems such as electrolyte imbalance, cardiovascular problems like irregular rhythm, digestive issues and throat and mouth problems. Having Bulimia is likely to predispose one to Anorexia as well.

How different are the profiles of patients of bulimia and anorexia? (since maybe bulimia is a more active way of coping, while anorexia seems passive?)

I believe they are the same illness presenting differently and at different times. Many anorexic patients go on to binge and develop bulimia after the anorexia episode. As such the profile is very much the same. In young adolescent girls exposed to a culture which emphasises a slim physique.

 How is the treatment for bulimia? is it the same as anorexia?

As with anorexia, the first step is to recognise the problem and to seek help. The need for hospitalisation is often lower in Bulimia as compared to Anorexia where low body weight can sometimes be a medical emergency and refeeding needs to be carried out quickly and safely in the hospital. Unlike in Anorexia, medication like antidepressant plays a role in helping with the urge of binging and purging. Psychotherapy is an important component of treatment in both.

Attention Deficit Hyper Activity Disorder (ADHD / ADD) Medications Cheatsheet

The article on Attention Deficit Hyper Activity Disorder (ADHD / ADD) Medications Cheatsheet  has been moved here.

2014 Customer Service Award

Dr BL Lim Centre for Psychological Wellness is pleased to announce that our clinic has been awarded the 2014 Customer Service Award from WhatClinic.com.

It is our mission to strive to provide the best patient care possible and to always remember our motto of "Patients First, Always".

5 Tips On How To Keep Your New Year Resolutions

Today is the fist working day for the new year and Happy 2014 to all. The festive mood is still lingering and it is normal to feel somewhat lethargic in starting work. You may also notice how you can't help but continue to write down the year as 2013 for your dates.

Habits are not something easy to change and I have a few tips here to help you stick to your new year resolutions what ever they may be.

1. Start (really, really) Small

Failure demotivates a person quickly especially of you are just starting out with the changes you want to make. Many people make the mistake of having difficult targets and after a few early failures, learned helplessness sets in and they give up (until next year). Starting really small helps you to succeed in your first step so that your mind will be naturally motivated to go on.

2. Go Slow

Keeping resolutions should not be a all-or-nothing process. Gradual improvements, starting with small successes, keep things sustainable. Have interim targets with a slow and gradual increase in the difficulty to achieve them. Remember, it's work in progress and you will get there!

3. Reward Yourself

Having success itself can be rewarding. However, you can further motivate yourself by reminding yourself of the good work you have done. This can be achieved by positive self talk and encouragement. You can buy yourself little treats every time you meet your targets to further reinforce the self encouragement.

4. Reward One Another

Where possible, work towards your resolution together with friends and family. Doing things together help you to improve camaraderie instead of taking you away from your loved ones. Motivate one another by supporting, praising and rewarding one another when targets are met.

5. Learn From Failures and Mistakes

You may have had the same resolution last year and maybe even the year before. Spend some time to take stock of things and think of why you did not achieve your targets the last few attempts or why you were not able to sustain these achievements. Often times, positive changes wax and wane and you may relapse back to the undesired behaviour.  Learn from you past mistakes, look out for similar difficulties you may face this year and devise strategies in advance to over come them.