Ipecac Abuse among bulimics is on the rise. The use of Ipecac, either in syrup form or pill form is being used as a means to purge by those with an eating disorder. Syrup of Ipecac can be found in most emergency first aid kits and can be purchased from any pharmacy without a prescription. The intended use of Ipecac is induced vomiting in case of ingestion of a poison or medication overdose. Ipecac syrup stimulates the central nervous system and the stomach and causes vomiting. It is intended to be used for just the stated purpose and just a singular event not multiple ingestions.

Ipecac abuse can produce serious side effects that can lead to physical ailments and can also result in death when used continuously. There is a long list of complications associated with Ipecac misuse. The occasion for abuse is so great the FDA is considering pulling Ipecac from the shelves and making it a prescription medication. No one would argue that pulling a dangerous medication from the shelves is a bad idea but this is often our society's response to a problem. The problem lies with the person that abuses the Ipecac not the substance itself.

Eating disorder sufferers that turn to Ipecac do so because they can no longer rely on the gag reflex to purge. Their disease has progressed to the point that they need eating disorder treatment to save their lives. Taking Ipecac off the shelves is a great idea; but getting those with an eating disorder the help they need is a better idea.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dan_B._Clark

If you find you are one of those who keeps eating and can't stop, don't be embarrassed or ashamed. You may be suffering from an eating disorder. Specifically binge eating. Which is one of the most common, and most secretive, eating disorders going.

So just what does the binge eating disorder involve? Good question.

By definition binge eating is out of control eating of large amounts of food. In other words those who cram an entire loaf of bread into their mouth or inhale a bag of cookies as fast as they can are likely to be binge eaters.

For some it's a coping mechanism or a way to deal with stress of daily life. Where food is unconsciously used to reward or punish.

Emotionally based eating like this also a physical side. It results in an uncomfortable feeling of being stuffed that is both painful and humiliating.

Besides it's a cycle that's tough to break. And a problem that is most likely to strike women. As six out of ten binge eaters are female.

Yet don't confuse binge eating bulimia. That later is where people purge the food they have just eaten by vomiting or using laxatives.

Now some of the signs or symptoms of this disorder are:

• Frequent episodes of runaway eating

• Unable to control what and how much is being eaten

• Rapidly stuffing in large amounts of food even when not hungry

• Eating alone, or in secret, out of embarrassment

• Feelings of depression, disgust or guilt after binging

Though this problem generally is seen more in women even men are not spared. It affects both obese and people without weight problems as well.

The causes for this disorder is not known though there is thought to a relationship between depression and this eating disorder. Negative emotions like anger, anxiety and boredom can trigger it. But positive events can leave some standing in front of the refrigerator looking for something else to engulf too.

Some side effects include obesity, blood pressure problems, heart disease and the like. Also people suffering from this disorder may miss work or withdraw socially from family and friends.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Bishop

Anorexia nervosa (severe self-starvation) is a condition that must be treated. The root of anorexia is emotional and psychological and treatment approaches are primarily psychological. Physicians and psychologists do not agree on the causes of this disorder. Many factors seem to contribute to the development of anorexia.

In the beginning, it may be difficult to recognize the symptoms and signs of anorexia. A person with anorexia usually starts out with normal or sometimes above normal weight. The anorexic will start a diet thinking that he or she is overweight and needs to lose weight. This where the problem begins. An anorexic person becomes obsessed with the fact the he or she is overweight and suppresses hunger to the point of starvation. It may start with the fact that someone in the family is dealing with weight issues and is constantly dieting.

Although anorexia is most common among teenage or young adult women, it can also affect males. Anorexics can starve themselves to skeletal thinness. Anorexics will have a fear of becoming obese. They continue to think they are fat even though they have lost a tremendous amount of weight.

The causes of anorexia nervosa are unknown, except that it is thought to be psychological. The widespread emphasis on diets and the desire for thinness in our society contribute to its high incidence, and psychological factors play an important role in its development.

Here is a list of signs and symptoms of anorexia nervosa taken from Prairie Public.org.

Extreme weight loss
Refusal to eat enough to maintain a healthy body weight
Persistent negative comments about body shape and size
Distorted body image and self-perception
Inability to recognize true body size/thinness
Excessive exercise
Continuing to diet although thin
Obsessive calorie and fat gram counting
Constant weighing
Refusing to eat in public/avoidance of eating situations
Denial of the problem
Claiming lack of hunger
Attributing life successes or failures to weight
Dressing in layers to hide weight loss
Thinning hair
Dry, yellow skin
Dry, brittle hair and nails
Complaints of being cold all the time
Refusal to eat solid food
Disguising lack of eating or reduced food intake by playing with food, picking at food, rearranging food on the plate, hiding food
Fine, downy hair that develops on face or body
Lack of menstrual period; loss of menses
Personality changes
Inability to accept compliments; frequent self-belittling comments
High expectations of perfection

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lillie_L_Davis