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Step 1
Begin treatment early when possible. It is best to treat bulimia at the onset of symptoms. Bulimia is characterized by three months or more of weekly binging eating and purging.
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Step 2
Find a treatment referral from the National Eating Disorders Association website (see Resources below). Call the helpline or search for a treatment provider, center or free support group in your area.
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Step 3
Join an eating disorder support group to treat the psychological root of bulimia in a supportive environment. Bulimic and anorexic patients often join the same support groups to help them work through similar symptoms.
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Step 4
Take a multi-vitamin to treat insufficient vitamin and mineral intake often caused by bulimic behavior.
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Step 5
Check into a residential treatment center offering long term care to eating disorder patients. Residential centers treat the physical symptoms of bulimia and offer counseling and support.
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Step 6
Ask your doctor about trying an anti-depressant medication. Prozac is an anti-depressant commonly prescribed to bulimia patients to help reduce symptoms.
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Step 7
Identify the underlying psychological issues that lead to bulimic behavior in cognitive behavior therapy. Become self aware through personal analysis and talking with a professional therapist.
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Step 8
Hire a dietician to help develop a healthy diet to restore your body's vitality. Bulimia leaves the body malnourished and physically distressed. A nutritious diet is required to reverse physical symptoms and maintain health.
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Step 9
Help yourself recover by reading "Overcoming Bulimia: Your Comprehensive, Step-By-Step Guide to Recovery" (see Resources below). This workbook offers tools and suggestions to help readers break the cycle of bulimic behavior.
