The bulimia is an eating disorder that may present a course controlled from a single episode resolved quickly at the structure of a chronic form with a moderate risk of death from medical complications or suicide.

Treatment of eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia, presents several difficulties related to the attitude of patients usually deny the disease and lack of collaborative and often have, concurrently, other psychiatric disorders of interest besides a high risk of suicide. In most cases the treatment is outpatient. It requires hospitalization when outpatient treatment is inadequate, there are significant electrolyte disturbances, the patient has serious co morbidities in mental illness, are at risk of suicide, or you must get her away from pathological family relationships.
In any case it is essential that intervention is calibrated according to the specific needs of the patient.

The most effective treatment is undoubtedly the one to multi-disciplinary approach because, especially in the early stages, you need the backing of several health professionals. First it is necessary to evaluate the medical condition of the patient and treat the complications resulting from excessive ingestion of food and abuse of diuretics and laxatives, as well as by induced vomiting. It’s very useful prescribing a proper diet and a psycho-educational intervention to restore healthy eating habits. Especially in the case of very young patients should involve the family and obtain their cooperation in the therapeutic process. It’s also indicating a path of psychotherapy (individual, group or family) to intervene on the psychological aspects of the disorder and any concomitant psychological disorders (personality disorders, depression or anxiety).

Although psychiatric drugs have proven very effective in treating the symptoms of bulimia, in particular antidepressants such as fluoxetine. It has become evident that their intake leads to a drastic reduction in the number of bulimic crisis even if the disorder is not accompanied by depressive symptoms.

In Italy there are several public health facilities that deal with eating disorders and there are active groups for mutual self-help Over eaters anonymous