Bulimia nervosa treatment and recovery in Minnesota

Bulimia nervosa, also known as “bulimia,” involves binge eating followed by purging to offset weight gain. Binge eating is when someone eats a significantly larger amount of food than the average person would in a similar circumstance and amount of time. This is usually accompanied by a feeling of loss of control. Purging is throwing up, using laxatives, restricting or over-exercising to “make up” for eating.

If left untreated, bulimia can lead to serious health concerns like dehydration, tooth decay, ulcers or even heart failure. Thankfully, it’s possible to recover from bulimia and develop a healthy relationship with food, and we can help you.

Melrose Center has over 35 years of successfully treating eating disorders, including bulimia. Our team of experts includes licensed psychologists, psychiatrists, registered dietitians, medical doctors and other specialists. Our team collaborates to create an individualized treatment plan for all patients, tailored to their unique needs and symptoms. Together, we’ll work with you to help you heal physically, mentally and emotionally.

It’s impossible to know if someone has bulimia just by looking at them. It affects each person a little differently, but there are some common symptoms to watch for. Common bulimia symptoms include:

• Anxiety about appearance
• Constantly feeling out of control
• Constantly preoccupied with food control
• Eating in secret
• Exercising too much to make up for eating
• Fasting
• Fear of being unable to stop eating
• Hoarding food
• Irregular eating, such as overeating, undereating or eating very quickly
• Low self-esteem and depression
• Vomiting or misusing laxatives, diuretics or diet pills
• Withdrawal from friends and activities
  

• Burst blood vessels in eyes
• Dehydration and loss of potassium and sodium
• Dry skin and dry, brittle hair
• Headaches and fatigue
• Abdominal pain and constipation
• Swollen glands along the jaw and cheeks, puffiness around the face
• Tooth decay and gum disease
• Weight fluctuations from bingeing and purging, even though weight may be normal

A diagnosis starts with an initial assessment at Melrose Center. During an initial assessment, you’ll meet with one of our licensed psychologists and/or a primary care clinician. We’ll talk to you about your symptoms, concerns, family history and questions. At the end of the session, we’ll determine your diagnosis and recommend a treatment program accordingly.

If you are diagnosed with bulimia, you’ll meet with one of our care managers. Our care managers are able to answer any of your questions about your recommended treatment and get you scheduled for your next appointments.

You can schedule an initial assessment by calling 952-993-6200.

Each person experiences bulimia differently, which means they respond to treatment differently. After your initial assessment, one of our psychologists or a medical doctor will recommend a treatment option that may work best for you. Your treatment plan may include:

Outpatient treatment means that you go to appointments at Melrose Center while still living at home. This type of treatment might include one-on-one sessions with a psychologist or registered dietitian, appointments with a medical doctor and/or psychiatrist, group sessions and guided meals. We offer outpatient treatment at all of our locations.

For patients who need 24/7 expert care from our staff, we offer residential treatment. You’ll stay at Melrose Center in St. Louis Park while attending a combination of individual sessions with a therapist or registered dietitian, group programming, guided meals, family therapy and other recommended activities. We typically recommend residential treatment for patients with more severe cases of bulimia who will benefit from an environment dedicated to healing.

For people who need daily medical support in order to stabilize their health, we offer intensive residential treatment. During this treatment, you’ll stay at Melrose Center and have daily appointments with a medical doctor, multiple individual and group therapy sessions, support from registered dietitians, 24-hour nursing care and other support while you recover. The goal of intensive residential treatment is to improve your health so you’re able to transition to our residential program or outpatient care.