Skip to main content

Focus on .... Purging Disorder

Focus on..... Purging Disorder (PD)




Purging Disorder is a fairly newly recognised eating disorder/disordered eating initially coined by Pamela Keel from Florida State University. It is currently still classified under the EDNOS (Eating Disorder Not Other Specific) or OSFED (Other Specific Food and Eating Disorder).

Despite PD being recognised only relatively recently, prevalence may be as high as anorexia (AN) or bulimia (BN).

PD differs from AN in that individual is typically not underweight (although, as we know, not everyone experiencing anorexia is underweight).  PD compares with BN in that the individual does not eat large amounts of food before purging. PD is more common in those identifying as female than as male and those experiencing PD typically fall within normal weight ranges.

Purging Disorder is often characterised by the following:

* Recurrent and repeated purging (e.g. laxative/diuretic abuse, self-induced vomiting or enemas)
* Do not engage in bingeing or consume large quantities of food before purging. * Frequently visiting bathroom after eating (engage in self-induced vomiting)
* Exhibiting signs of frequent self-induced vomiting (e.g. calluses on knuckles, if fingers are used to induce vomiting).
* Other physical, visible signs of purging, including: swollen cheeks and neck; broken blood vessels in eyes; teeth that look ‘clear’ (from acid content in vomit)

Some complication that may arise from Purging Disorder include:

* Electrolyte imbalances (e.g. sodium and potassium)
* Anaemia
* Low blood pressure
* Stomach ulcers       ·       
* Dehydration
* Mouth sores and ulcers        ·          
* Irregular heart beat      ·           
*Lethargy and fatigue
* Damage to oesophagus           
* Kidney infections & damage
* Weakened heart muscle and possible heart failure
* Intestinal problems e.g. constipation, diarrhoea.
* Impaired vision (from broken blood vessels in eyes)
* Muscle weakness

These behaviours and actions can quickly and easily affect life in many different ways: secretiveness; disrupting social life; mood changes; sleep disturbances; effect on concentration and motivation; as well as many other emotional and physical complications, including some of those highlighted above.

These complication can cause serious health and physical implications in the long term. Evidence and research suggest that the earlier someone gets help and support with the eating disorder/disordered eating, the more likely they will get better and improve their quality of life and health and wellbeing.

If you would like to talk to one of our experienced and qualified therapists and counsellors about your experiences and what you are going through, please feel free to get in touch. We 'get it' and we never judge. We work with you, at your pace, in accordance with your needs and problems. We are here to listen and support you through the difficult times.

Feel free to contact us as follows:

www.eatingdisorderscotland.co.uk
support@eatingdisorderscotland.co.uk


Your voice counts. 
 Best wishes, Alexandra

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Next Eating Disorders and Body Image Supervision and Consult Group on Monday 2nd December 2024 - Book Now!

  CALLING ALL PROFESSIONALS CLINICAL SUPERVISION AND CONSULT GROUP FOR EATING DISORDERS AND BODY IMAGE   NEXT GROUP: MONDAY 2ND DECEMBER 2024, 6-8PM, ONLINE    We are delighted to announce the next date of our Eating Disorders and Body Image Supervision and Consult Group.   This is clinical supervision and consult group (online) for therapists, counsellors, dietitians and others working within the field of eating disorders/disordered eating and body image. It isfaciliated by an accredited psychotherapist, qualified clinical supervisor and trainer withover 23 years of experience in this area.   The group is online so that as many as possible can access it. Groups take place approximately every 6 weeks from 6-8pm (although you don't need to attend every time).   Please email us to (contact details in poster below) if you would like more information, have any questions, wanted to be added to the group's mailing list or if you would like to book a space at...
Post a Comment
Read more

Myths & Stereotypes: Eating Disorders....Part 2

Myths and Stereotypes - Eating Disorders : Part 2 Eating disorders are not a ‘diet’. They are a mental health illness that can impact upon all areas of life and have negative, distressing and often life-threatening consequences. Eating disorders are characterised by having a difficult, negative or dysfunctional relationship with food and eating. This changes thoughts and feelings about food, and, consequently, the person's behaviours and habits surrounding food and eating. Neither are eating disorders about beauty, appearance or looking a certain way. In fact, they often have little to do with food, but lots to do with gaining control and finding a way of coping with life. Thoughts, feelings, emotions, memories and experiences are all controlled through one’s relationship with food. Control or non-control of eating and food provides a way of also coping with often painful, difficult or distressful thoughts, emotions, experiences or memories: by blocking them out, denyi...
Post a Comment
Read more

Focus on.... Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (or EDNOS)

Focus on.... EDNOS/OSFED Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (or EDNOS) is now increasingly known as OSFED (Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorder) accounts for the highest percentage of eating disorders. EDNOS/OSFED is just as serious and debilitating as any other form of eating disorder and needs to be taken more seriously. Unfortunately, however, in our experience, this is often not the case and many are not given appropriate treatment or support (whether from family, friends, professionals and others) and the condition can deteriorte and even change into another form of eating disorder. WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT EDNOS/OSFED? Then read on..... EDNOS/OSFED is the most commonly diagnosed eating disorder in clinical settings. It has often been described as ‘partial syndrome’; however, in our opinion, referring to an eating disorder as 'partial' presents several problems, namely that the client or patient is denied support. EDNOS/OSFED describes a form eating d...
Post a Comment
Read more