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Definition: The term purging describes various behaviors used to expel food from the body, a pattern of behavior that occurs with certain eating disorders. Purging is most often seen in troubled teens who are suffering from bulimia, a disorder with an obsessive pattern of overeating and then ridding the body of calories to avoid gaining weight.
The most common type of purging is self-induced vomiting, accomplished by putting a finger, or an object such as a toothbrush, deep into the throat to trigger the gag reflex. Purging behavior is done secretly and feelings of guilt or shame are often experienced after doing so.
Other purging methods include the misuse of laxatives, enemas, caffeine or diuretics to move food and liquids quickly through the body - some methods tried by teens are ineffective or only partially effective in terms of removing calories and have potentially dangerous side-effects. Troubled teens involved in purging may search online for tips to make purging easier such as how to do it, what foods are most easily regurgitated and ways to cover up this behavior.
The physical and emotional risks of repeated purging include:
- Dehydration
- Electrolyte imbalances - the most common and dangerous
- Low blood pressure
- Kidney damage - rare
- Depression
- Feeling powerless
- Fatigue
- Depletion of minerals
- Abdominal pain
- Erosion of the teeth
- Damage to the esophagus
Quick Links: Mental Health Terms Used in Treating Troubled Teens | Trouble Teens Articles | Quiz Is Your Teen At-Risk?