Purging Disorder

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Purging disorder is an epidemic in America. While it frequently occurs in conjunction with anorexia or bulimia, purging also stands on its own as a disorder. With so many people suffering from eating disorders, the need for purging disorder treatment is at an all-time high. At Selah House, a women’s eating disorder treatment facility in Indiana, we use our top-notch facility and accredited staff to meet this need.

woman deciding to get purging disorder treatment

What is Purging Disorder?

Purging is the act of trying to rid yourself of food you have consumed. The usual methods for this are self-induced vomiting, abusing laxatives, compulsive exercising, and enemas. Purging normally occurs in two scenarios. The most common is in people struggling with bulimia. A person with bulimia will binge eat a large amount of food and then purge to get rid of it. The purging is, therefore, a “compensatory behavior.”
However, compensatory behaviors do not always follow binges or any eating at all. The second most common place purging occurs is in people with anorexia. After having barely eaten, or perhaps after not eating anything, some people with anorexia will attempt to purge as well. When purging occurs within the confines of either of these disorders, it’s not “purging disorder” and wouldn’t receive purging disorder treatment.

However, there are some cases where people purge without bingeing and without anorexia. These people will engage in compensatory behaviors after a normal or smaller meal. When this behavior occurs in isolation, we call it purging disorder. Because it’s less common, medical professionals have classified it as an “Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorder.”

Signs + Symptoms of Purging Disorder

In order to receive purging disorder treatment, you must first recognize the signs of disordered eating. If you notice the following signs in yourself or a loved one, you may be suffering from purging disorder.

  • Stained teeth (from vomiting)
  • Disappearing after meals for long periods of time
  • Avoiding eating in public situations
  • Diarrhea without gastrointestinal problems
  • Scraped hands or knuckles
  • Irritability
  • Increased anxiety
  • Mood Swings
Purging is bad for your health in a number of ways, some of which are not obvious. The more obvious effects are usually physical. Constant vomiting is bad for the throat and teeth. Any purging has the possibility of dehydrating you, sometimes to dangerous levels. Lack of nutrition can also result in difficulty focusing, weaker skin and nails, and an inhibited immune system.
However, some effects are more subtle. For instance, purging can become physically addictive. Continuous purging can literally rewire parts of your brain so that you produce endorphins when you are vomiting. Likewise, you may become reliant on laxatives for bowel movements. Becoming addicted to these unhealthy behaviors can affect your long-term health for the worse.
These effects are exactly why purging disorder treatment is so essential.

Benefits of Purging Disorder Treatment

If you or a loved one is suffering from purging disorder, there are a lot of resources to help you recover. One such option is Selah House, a Christian eating disorder recovery center in Anderson, Indiana. We offer compassionate staff and a comfortable facility to help people get their lives back on track. If you are looking for a quality women’s eating disorder treatment center in Indiana, look no further.

We offer individual therapy, family therapy, and group therapy to help people address the underlying issues of their disorder. We also take a holistic approach to eating disorder treatment. This means that we try to help heal your mind, body, and soul by helping you find balance. With our residential and aftercare programs, we ensure that you will be supported at every stage of your recovery journey.

With these resources, you will be able to heal and liberate yourself. Don’t let an eating disorder control your life. You are not alone. Contact our compassionate admissions team today to learn more about purging disorder treatment and how Selah House can support you on the road to lasting recovery.

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