Dr Simone Hughes features a creative non-fiction piece on bulimia called ‘Stuck’ in the latest issue of dotdotdash magazine, Sacred (no 7).  Bulimia is an insidious condition characterised by uncontrolled binge-eating and the use of compensatory practices to offset the binge such as purging and laxative abuse.  Although the condition is predominantly experienced by females – 1 in 10 sufferers are male.

Bulimia is a complex disorder. It is often maintained by the sufferers attempt to control and manage their negative emotions. The condition involves a degree of shame that is overwhelming for the sufferer and this tends to interfere in their getting help.  The person with bulimia is often impulsive, with a low frustration tolerance and they may be temperamentally predisposed toward ‘addictive’ behaviours. Bulimia may be effectively treated by a clinical psychologist and anti-depressant medication can be useful in reducing the impulse of binging. Building self-esteem, learning about negative thinking styles and exploring other ways of functional emotional expression are often key elements in treatment.