Teen Bulimia Treatment
One of the most common eating disorders among teenagers, bulimia is a dangerous disease that can quickly take a happy, healthy young person and put their health and lives at risk. Millions of people - teenagers in particular - suffer from bulimia but few get the appropriate treatment they need to get well.
What is Bulimia?
Bulimia is an eating disorder in which the individual engages in binge-and-purge behavior in order to maintain an unrealistic self-image. The condition is typified by eating a large meal and then using vomiting, laxatives or other methods to purge the calories from the system. In addition to being socially unacceptable behavior, the binging and purging that accompanies bulimia is just plain dangerous to the health and well-being of the individual.
Why is Teen Bulimia so Dangerous?
There are a wide variety of harmful effects that stem from bulimia, including:
- Erosion of the teeth and gums
- Inflammation and potential rupture of the esophagus
- Heart problems, including: arrhythmia, heart failure and irregular heartbeat
- Death
Bulimia is especially insidious when it occurs in young people. During the teen years and on through the early 20's, many of the body's most crucial organs (repertory, reproductive) and functions are developing. Bulimia can stunt the progress of this development, thus causing problems which may last a lifetime.
Who Can Get Bulimia?
Bulimia can strike anyone at any point in their lives, but the largest percentage of cases are found in young women age 13 - 25. Women of this age are particularly susceptible to the kinds of self-image issues that can bring about the disorder. Less widely reported is the fact that men can also suffer from bulimia (and other eating disorders). Some reports say that as much as 10% of all bulimia cases involve men - and that the number could be even higher, save the fact that men rarely seek professional help for the condition.
What Happens During Teen Bulimia Treatment?
When a teenager enters teen bulimia treatment, they will first meet with a medical professional to ascertain the state of their physical health. These doctors and counselors will do everything in their power to make sure that the individual is as healthy as possible before moving forward with the remainder of treatment.
Once this process is complete, it is time to move forward with the psychological treatment of bulimia. During this period of therapy, the individual will likely meet with counselors in both a one-on-one and group setting (with other bulimia sufferers present) to discuss the root causes of the condition and learn the decision-making skills needed to defeat the disease.
It is here that the teenager finds new ways to look at their self-image and begin to fight back against the forces that cause bulimia.
Newport Academy Provides Help for Teens with Bulimia
The eating disorder treatment programs at Newport Academy not only help teenagers overcome their bulimic condition, but also provide them with the tools required to live a happy and fulfilling life. By working closely with the counselors at Newport Academy, every young person receives customized care that best addresses their needs. If your teenager is struggling with bulimia or any other eating disorder, contact Newport Academy today.
