What mental and physical health risks are associated with purging disorder?
Purging disorder, also known as non-suicidal self-injury, is a mental health disorder characterized by the recurrent and intentional self-inflicting of harm without suicidal intent. It often manifests itself in self-starvation, excessive exercising, and self-induced vomiting or misuse of laxatives, enemas, and other medications in an effort to control one’s weight and shape. Purging disorder has both short-term and long-term health risks associated with it.
Mentally, purging disorder can lead to severe distress, distressing thoughts and a deterioration of the individual’s relationships with their family and friends. This is because engaging in purging behaviors are often used as a way of coping with stress, anxious thoughts, and depression, leading to isolation and withdrawal from society. This can then lead to further psychological distress and possibly lead to thoughts of suicide or self-harming behaviors.
Additionally, long-term health risks associated with purging disorder include electrolyte imbalances caused by dehydration, malnutrition, gastrointestinal disturbances, anxiety, depression, and an increase in suicidal ideations or attempts with potential long-term physical damage to the throat and digestive system. Furthermore, purging disorder can lead to amenorrhoea, hyponatremia, electrolyte imbalances, depression, and low self-esteem, all of which can have detrimental effects on an individual’s overall mental and physical health.
In terms of physical health, purging disorder can have a number of adverse physical health effects. One of the most serious physical health issues associated with purging disorder is malnutrition, as oftentimes those engaged in purging activities will omit food from their diet. This can lead to anemia, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, tooth decay, and a general weakness in the body. Additionally, since purging behaviors involve self-induced vomiting and/or laxative abuse, these behaviors can damage the digestive system, leading to issues like acid reflux, damage to the esophagus, and even an increased risk for developing gastroenteritis. The use of enemas can also lead to dehydration and damage to the rectum. Furthermore, purging disorder can lead to electrolyte imbalances, which can be dangerous and even fatal in extreme cases.
Overall, purging disorder carries with it a number of mental and physical health risks. It is important to note that although purging may be a means of coping with psychological distress, it is not an effective method of problem-solving and should be addressed immediately. It is essential to seek professional help if you or someone you know is engaging in purging behaviors. With professional help, it is possible to manage the physical and mental health risks associated with purging disorder and lead a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Click here for more info
What new research is being done to understand the causes of purging disorder?
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Purging disorder, also known as purging syndrome, is a newly-defined eating disorder characterized by recurrent purging behavior (vomiting, laxative misuse, diuretic misuse, and fasting) to influence body weight and shape in absence of a co-occurring compensatory binge episode. Purging disorder is estimated to be the eating disorder diagnosis in 5-10% of individuals with disordered eating, and as many as 60-80% of persons seeking treatment for an eating disorder self-report a history of purging behavior. It is a serious mental illness that requires expert assessment and treatment.
Recent advances in the field of eating disorder research have led to a greater understanding of the causes of purging disorder. While the exact causes of purging disorder are still unknown, an increasing number of studies suggest that biological and psychological factors co-occur which influence the risk of developing a purging disorder.
With respect to biological factors, research has suggested that a variety of neurological and hormonal factors may be linked to the development of purging disorder. For example, it appears that persons with purging disorder display altered neural functioning related to emotion regulation and impulse control, as well as disturbed homeostatic endocrine signaling in response to food intake and energy expenditure. Furthermore, a variety of genetic markers have been associated with activity in the same brain regions that appear to be involved in the development of purging disorder. These factors likely contribute to the development of purging disorder in individuals genetically predisposed to it.
In terms of psychological and social factors, studies have shown that psychological distress, lack of self-control, negative body image, and a history of trauma or adversity may contribute to the development of purging disorder. Depending on the culture, purging may be presented as an acceptable behavior to achieve desired body shape, thereby leading some individuals to engage in purging behaviors. Furthermore, social media can also be a major contributor, as platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube normalize and promote diets and body shape goals, often associated with purging behavior.
In order to advance our understanding of the etiology, maintenance, and treatment of purging disorder, research continues to explore a variety of relevant factors, such as attitudes towards body shape, interpersonal functioning, and family dynamics. Evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy, which focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and beliefs, is the most effective treatment for purging disorder. Research is focused on identifying the factors that hinder or facilitate individuals’ engagement in treatment, as well as ways to facilitate recovery.
The recent shifts in our knowledge base represent a significant advancement for the treatment and prevention of purging disorder, but research continues to progress with the aim of deeper understanding of the causes of this disorder. Through continued research, we can continue to improve our understanding of the etiology, maintenance and treatment of purging disorder, and work towards better evidence-based treatment practices in helping those struggling with this disorder to achieve full recovery.
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