Bulimia nervosa is a serious eating disorder that impacts both mental and physical health. It involves a cycle of binge eating followed by purging behaviors such as vomiting, excessive exercise, or misuse of laxatives. At Mindwell Associates, we offer virtual, personalized care to help you break this cycle and establish a healthier relationship with food, body image, and yourself.
Our telehealth model ensures clients across New Jersey and Pennsylvania can access specialized care from licensed mental health professionals. Whether you’re seeking help for the first time or returning to treatment, we’re here to provide support tailored to your needs.
Understanding Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia often stems from a combination of biological, emotional, and social factors. People struggling with this condition may appear to maintain a normal weight but often feel trapped by obsessive thoughts about body image and control. Common triggers include anxiety, depression, trauma, or social pressure.
Bulimic behaviors may happen in secret and be associated with guilt or shame. Treatment is not about blame — it’s about building trust, safety, and sustainable recovery strategies.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms of bulimia nervosa may include:
Frequent dieting or food restriction.
Large episodes of binge eating.
Purging behaviors like vomiting or laxative use.
Excessive or compulsive exercise.
Swollen cheeks, dental issues, or a sore throat.
Digestive problems or acid reflux.
Dehydration and fatigue.
Irregular menstrual cycles.
Our clinicians can help identify these symptoms, even when they are difficult to discuss.
Bulimia vs. Other Eating Disorders
Bulimia nervosa shares features with other eating disorders, but it also presents unique challenges. Understanding these differences can help individuals and families better recognize symptoms and seek appropriate care.
Bulimia nervosa involves cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, laxative use, or over-exercising. People with bulimia often maintain an average weight, which can make the disorder harder to detect.
Anorexia nervosa is characterized by food restriction, intense fear of weight gain, and significantly low body weight. Unlike bulimia, purging may occur without binging, or not at all.
Binge eating disorder includes recurrent episodes of binge eating without purging behaviors. It often leads to feelings of guilt, shame, and distress, but lacks the compensatory behaviors seen in bulimia.
Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED) include symptoms that don’t meet the full criteria for a specific diagnosis but still cause significant distress and impairment.
At Mindwell Associates, we tailor treatment to the individual — not the label — ensuring that care addresses the full scope of physical and emotional symptoms.
How We Treat Bulimia
At Mindwell Associates, our care model integrates therapy, psychiatry, and nutrition planning when needed. Depending on your needs, treatment may include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Evidence-based therapy to challenge distorted thinking and build healthier coping skills.
Medication Support: For co-occurring anxiety or depression that may contribute to disordered eating.
Collaborative Care Plans: Coordinated treatment with consistent follow-up and progress tracking.
Our virtual platform provides consistent access to care, even during challenging times. We prioritize trust, safety, and empowerment in every session.
Why Choose Mindwell Associates?
We bring accessible, compassionate eating disorder treatment directly to you. Our integrated care team offers therapy and medication support under one virtual roof. We accept commercial insurance and ensure your treatment plan is evidence-based and personalized. From your first consultation to long-term recovery support, you’re never alone.
Begin Healing Today
Recovery from bulimia is possible. Book a confidential virtual consultation with Mindwell Associates and take the first step toward lasting change. Call (844) 582-2540 to get started in Pennsylvania or New Jersey.