Leyla was a beautiful brunette girl with long black hair, aged 25-26. Since the psychiatrist friend I worked with was not his patient, I had no idea about his diagnosis. We would just meet and greet each other in the garden in the mornings. During one of the visits, I heard that he would be discharged in a few days. While I was waiting for him to smile and thank me like every patient who hears this, I noticed that his eyes were filled with tears. It was strange. As soon as the visit ended, I went to him and asked if he had any questions. He sighed deeply. "Actually, there is, but..." he said and ran away from me. It was obvious that he had a problem, but I couldn't find out what it was.
Only two days have passed since this incident. When I came to the hospital, everyone was talking about what Leyla did. Leyla, who was hospitalized with the diagnosis of bulimia nervosa, was caught throwing up and destroying the newspapers and magazines her family had brought for her to read after having dinner last night.
I immediately got permission from her psychiatrist to review her file and talk a little. The file was not very large. I was faced with a typical bulimia story. The onset of the disease was described in adolescence. The endless fights of the mother and father and the difficulties arising from adolescence came together. His parents were constantly fighting and no matter what he did, it wouldn't stop. On the other hand, his body and thoughts were changing. It made her sad that she couldn't attract the attention of men. She thought that no one liked her because she was overweight. However, his weight was quite normal. He would sit at the table to eat little and leave the table with his stomach full. In this way, he was running away from all his problems and forgetting everything bad while eating. He was very angry with himself and regretful because he could not control himself. He immediately ran to the bathroom and vomited forcefully. His aim was to get rid of the feeling of guilt. What was going through his mind as he vomited was how weak-willed he was. She was relieved, thinking that she could regain her willpower by vomiting forcibly.
This continued like this for two months. During that time, she realized that she attracted the attention of a man. This young man, with whom she loved spending time, soon became her lover. She wasn't alone anymore. She was finding relief by sharing her family problems with her boyfriend. This friendship continued for many years. Four months ago Leyla When she was abandoned by her boyfriend, the whole balance was disrupted. After eating, the forced vomiting returned. He was crying all the time and thought he was abandoned because he gained weight. Yes, she gained weight, but that was not the reason for the breakup. Her throat was swollen because she vomited so much. She evaluated herself only by her weight. Every time he ate, he hated himself and his lack of willpower more, and he was tearing himself up to vomit. His teeth decayed and his hair fell out.
His family applied to us, convinced that the situation could not be resolved without the help of a doctor. You already know the rest...
Bulimia Nevrosa is described as the patient trying to get rid of unwanted calories by vomiting the food after filling his/her stomach with food.
Having a great need for the approval of others and lacking self-confidence. It is seen among people. They try to hide their own emotions by doing their best to make others happy. Unlike anorexia nervosa, another eating disorder, bulimics are more likely to seek help because they are aware of their illness.
Although the causes of the disease are not fully known, it is thought that the media, family and cultural characteristics trigger this disease. This disease is basically the body's way of expressing its unexpressed emotions, itself and unmet needs.
The most effective treatment of this disease, which is seen in 90% of women, is provided by a doctor, a therapist and an eating specialist working together.
Bulimia nervosa is a treatable disorder. It should not be forgotten that if it becomes chronic, it can lead to death of the patient. If vomiting occurs due to overeating at least twice a week for three months, help from a specialist should be sought.
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