The Binge

Neurotransmitters in the brain have been researched to have an input into the underlying causes or manifestation of bulimia. One neurotransmitter called serotonin is responsible for state of consciousness for example and also mood. It is suppressed by some foods and enhanced by other foods such as carbohydrates and confectionary items.

Therefore binging on such foods increases serotonin’s activity and temporarily lifts mood (that is until the individual purges). This is why bulimics seek binges when they are feeling particularly low. After a binge/purge, hunger can be suppressed for a short while as a small amount of food is able to be digested.

Once feeling full, guilt about the amount of food consumed sets in. The individual feels out of control, uncomfortable and has an overwhelming need to purge as soon as possible (or begin methods that will discard calories). After purging the feeling can often be quite euphoric.

Feelings of relief, control and being somewhat lightheaded follow a purge. These feelings can be addictive along with temporary euphoria. The binge/purge cycle occurs when bad feelings are stuffed down with the food in a frenzied manner (this adds to lack of control), purging allows for feelings of control to be restored and a constant shift in balance of control repeats itself.

Some bulimics purge daily and some weekly. Some bulimics will eat ordinary meals socially and have bulimic behaviours in private (hence the normal weight in some patients), others have episodes every few months (these may be those in recovery who have not yet managed to full y relinquish their urge to binge).

A binge is usually a method of coping with emotional/psychological difficulties; it relieves tension, fills a void and can be compared to other addictions or compulsions such as shopping, smoking alcohol or drug abuse.

A single binge would consist of up to 4 times more than the average person would consume in a day! Elaborate, high calorie foods (confectionary foods) are typically the individual’s choice for a binge.

This is because these foods temporarily lift the mood of the sufferer whom is seeking a binge as a result of feeling agitated, angry, upset or particularly depressed.

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