Anxiety Disorders and Bulimia Nervosa

People struggling with Bulimia Nervosa frequently also experience an anxiety disorder. Typically this manifests as an Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, simple phobia or even PTSD.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Unlike Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (which is an Anxiety Disorder) people with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder are not bothered by their symptoms. They are perfectionist, rigid, and compulsive. They do not see these traits as problematic. They are indecisive and prone to ruminate. They also tend to be hoarders, meaning they do not throw out objects that are of no particular sentimental or monetary value. Their perfectionism interferes with their ability to complete tasks. They tend to be workaholics. They do not like to delegate tasks because they are concerned that someone else will not perform the task in the “perfect manner”. They tend to be pessimistic and to overanalyze things. They rarely engage in leisure activities because they see them as a waste of time.

Simple Phobia This is a persistent fear of a specific object or situation (not including social phobia/, Social Anxiety Disorder, or the fear of having a panic attack.) It also does not include an object or situation involved in a traumatic event such as in PTSD. It also does not include the content of a obsession for someone who has obsessive compulsive disorder

* Exposure to this specific feared object or situation causes a high level of anxiety
* The individual may consistently avoid this feared object or situation or endure it with a high level of anxiety
* The person realizes the level of anxiety is excessive
* The fear or the avoidance of the feared object or situation impairs the functioning of the person. It has a negative impact on their social or occupational functioning or interferes with a normal routine of everyday life.

EXAMPLES OF SIMPLE PHOBIA
* Fear of flying
* Fear of driving on a hightway
* Fear of heights
* Fear of dogs

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Research has shown that approximately 37% of women diagnosed with Bulimia Nervosa have PTSD. Common symptoms of PTSD are the following
* Recurring thoughts or nightmares about the event
* Difficulty sleeping
* Changes in appetite
* Feelings of sadness
* Fear
* Low energy level
* Feelings of despair
* Hopelessness
* Feeling emotionally numb
* Feeling disconnected from others
* Avoiding people, places, and things that trigger memories of the event
* Difficulty remembering aspects of the traumatic event

Basic PTSD Treatment – know your triggers , identifying your triggers

Struggling with the recovery from your eating disorder / anxiety? Help is available. Schedule an appointment at the Center for Growth / Therapy in Philadelphia today. 267-324-9564.

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Anxiety Disorders and Bulimia Nervosa

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