Purging Disorder: Symptoms, Side Effects, and Treatment

Purging disorder is similar to anorexia and bulimia but with some key difference. It is an eating disorder when someone vomits after normal food consumption, misuses medications, and fasts to induce weight loss or modify body shape. Any form of eating disorder is considered a serious mental health issue with severe physical consequences. This article discusses the severe effects of purging disorder and how it can cause damage to the kidneys, cardiovascular, and digestive systems, as well as the psychological consequences it can have on an individual.

What is Purging Disorder?

Purging disorder is a type of eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of purging behaviours such as self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives or diuretics, and excessive exercise to control weight or body shape.

Unlike anorexia and bulimia, purging disorder is not that well-known. It is classified as an ‘other specified feeding or eating disorder’. People with purging disorder typically purge after eating small or normal amounts of food. This disorder can lead to serious physical complications.

Symptoms

The symptoms of purging disorder are quite similar to bulimia. The primary symptom is recurrent purging behaviour. Unlike bulimia, a person suffering from a purging disorder does not engage in binge eating before or after purging.

Some of the primary symptoms of purging disorder are as follows:

• Frequent purging

• Self-induced vomiting

• Misuse of laxatives

• Misuse of diuretics

• Misuse of enemas

• Excessive concern regarding body weight

• High levels of anxiety

• Depression

• Obsessive-compulsive behaviours related to eating, body weight, and body image

• Electrolyte imbalances

• Gastrointestinal problems

• Dental erosion

• Dehydration

• Heart complications

• Shame or embarrassment

• Social isolation 

• Problems in performing daily activities due to purging

Side Effects

Purging disorder can have both physiological and psychological side effects. Some major consequences are as follows —

• Electrolyte imbalance

Frequent purging, primarily through vomiting or using laxatives, can lead to significant imbalances in electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and chloride.

• Heart arrhythmia

These are irregular heartbeats that can be life-threatening.

• Muscle weakness

An individual can suffer from cramping and muscle weakness because of low potassium levels (hypokalaemia).

• Gastrointestinal problems

Chronic purging can severely affect the digestive system.

• Esophagitis

Repeated vomiting can lead to inflammation of the oesophagus.

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Persistent acid reflux.

• Constipation

This results from laxative misuse and dehydration.

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Individuals can develop IBS with symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and irregular bowel movements.

• Cavities

Purging disorder can lead to an increased susceptibility to tooth decay.

• Tooth sensitivity

One can develop pain and sensitivity to hot or cold foods.

• Kidney problems

Kidney stones and renal failure could be possible side effects of purging disorder.

• Dry skin

Individuals can have poor skin turgor and dryness.

• Hypotension

Purging disorder can lead to low blood pressure.

• Tachycardia

Individuals can experience increased heart rate.

• Nutritional deficiencies

Inadequate nutrient absorption due to frequent purging can result in deficiencies in vital vitamins and minerals.

• Anaemia

Frequent purging can result in low red blood cell count.

• Body dysmorphia

An individual has a distorted perception of body size and shape, often seeing oneself as overweight despite being underweight or at an average weight.

• Chronic health issues

One can have ongoing health problems due to sustained electrolyte imbalances and nutritional deficiencies.

• Infertility

Hormonal imbalances affecting menstrual cycles and reproductive health could be a result of frequent purging.

• Increased risk of suicide

A high prevalence of severe depression and other mental health conditions can enhance the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviours.

Treatment

Treating purging disorder requires a comprehensive approach addressing both physical and psychological aspects.

Here are the key components of the treatment:

• Regular check-ups to manage complications like electrolyte imbalances and dehydration

• Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed

• Chalk out a balanced meal plan with a dietitian

• Learn about nutrition and the effects of purging on the body

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Identify and change distorted thoughts and behaviours

• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT): Build emotion regulation and distress tolerance skills

• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Address interpersonal issues contributing to the disorder

• Involve family for support and improved communication

• Join support groups to share experiences and reduce isolation

• Engage with peers for mutual encouragement

• Practice mindfulness, meditation, or yoga to manage stress

• Develop new ways to handle stress, like pursuing hobbies or any physical activity

• Consider inpatient or residential treatment for structured, 24-hour care for severe cases

• Continue medical and psychological follow-ups

• Maintain therapy to sustain recovery

• Develop strategies with therapists to prevent relapse