Our Psychologists have availability for face-to-face and online appointments for adults, adolescents and children.
Our Psychologists have availability for face-to-face and online appointments for adults, adolescents and children.
Bulimia, or Bulimia Nervosa, is an eating disorder where someone gets stuck in a cycle of binge eating—eating large amounts of food in one go—followed by purging behaviours like vomiting, over-exercising, or using laxatives to try to “make up” for it. It’s often driven by feeling out of control around food and being overly focused on weight or body image. Even if someone seems fine on the outside, bulimia can have serious impacts on both physical and mental health, including digestive issues, fatigue, and low mood. The good news is that treatment for bulimia—usually a mix of therapy, nutrition support, and sometimes medical care—can be really effective, especially when started early. If this sounds familiar, having a chat with a GP or psychologist is a great place to start.
If you notice several of these signs in yourself or someone else, it’s worth having a gentle chat and seeking support. Bulimia is serious, but with the right help, recovery is absolutely possible.
Binge eating – regularly eating large amounts of food in a short time, often in secret
Purging behaviours – vomiting, using laxatives, fasting, or over-exercising to “undo” the binge
Feeling out of control during binges, followed by guilt or shame
Frequent trips to the bathroom after meals
Swollen cheeks or jaw, sore throat, or signs of damage to teeth from vomiting
Weight that goes up and down, but not always underweight
Obsessing over body shape or weight
Low mood, anxiety, or mood swings
Hiding food, skipping meals, or avoiding eating in front of others
Bulimia often goes unnoticed because many people maintain a healthy-looking weight
Around 4% of Australians will experience bulimia in their lifetime
Most people with bulimia don’t seek help, often due to shame or stigma
Bulimia can cause serious health issues, even if it’s not physically obvious
Bulimia nervosa is more common than most people realise—and often stays hidden. Research shows it usually starts in the teenage years, particularly in females, though it can affect people of all ages and genders. Despite how serious bulimia can be, up to 94% of people don’t seek help, often due to shame, fear of judgement, or not recognising that their behaviours are part of a treatable condition.
Left untreated, bulimia can lead to serious health problems like heart issues, digestive damage, and severe mood swings. But the good news? There are well-researched treatments that work.
A recent review of high-quality research (specifically, randomised controlled trials conducted between 2010 and 2021) found that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) stands out as the most effective treatment for bulimia nervosa. CBT helps people better understand the thoughts, emotions, and habits that drive disordered eating, and then supports them to build healthier coping tools.
CBT can be delivered one-on-one or in group settings, and is usually done through outpatient services—meaning you don’t need to stay in hospital. Some studies in the review also looked at medication, particularly antidepressants like SSRIs, which may be helpful for some people when used alongside therapy. However, CBT had the strongest and most consistent results on its own.
One of the key takeaways from the review is that most of the studies focused on young white women, which means we still need more research into how treatment for bulimia works across different populations. That includes males, older adults, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, and those with complex mental health needs.
Understanding and addressing these gaps is essential if we want effective support for bulimia to reach everyone who needs it.
This research reminds us that bulimia is treatable, and that early support makes a big difference. Evidence-based therapies like CBT offer real hope for recovery, especially when treatment is accessible, tailored, and backed by a supportive team. If you or someone you care about is showing signs of bulimia, speaking with a psychologist is a great first step.
At MindBox Psychology, we offer caring, expert support for eating disorders like bulimia. Our team is trained in evidence-based therapies and here to help you move toward recovery at your own pace.
*Source: Bulimia nervosa and treatment-related disparities: a review – Frontiers in Psychology
Try sticking to three meals and two snacks a day to avoid getting overly hungry, which can help reduce binge urges.
Noticing the urge to binge or purge? Pause, take a breath, and try a distraction—like a short walk, journalling, or calling a friend.
There’s no such thing as “good” or “bad” food. Labelling food only fuels guilt and the cycle—try focusing on nourishment and enjoyment instead.
Clinical Psychologist, Director of MindBox Psychology
Our Psychologists are highly qualified, with Masters or Doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology. We use evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), to provide tailored support for individuals struggling with bulimia, helping them develop a healthier relationship with food, manage emotional triggers, and improve overall well-being.
Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
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