DD 20 BPD and now binging and purging (bulimia)

[mary93]

I'm back. My daughter had went to live with her father for a while (my BPD group counselor said the "honeymoon" phase would be over in about 6 months. I never mentioned this to her or her father, and well almost 6 months to the day she is back at our, (hers & mine) place). She is back in university, how she is doing, who knows, she says well but I dont have access to anything as she is an adult. I have discovered that she has a serious eating disorder, bulimia, and she says this has been going on for 3 months now, which puts it at 1 month prior to returning home. She is a very slim, but athletic girl far from overweight and her father kept on saying sarcastically that she needed to lose weight (lets not even go there, as this could go on forever, so yes hes a major jerk etc and is probably greatly responsible for the bulimia) What I was wondering has anyone here had to deal with this and what do I, as a parent of an adult child, do? She eats for approx 30 mins, huge amounts of all sorts of stuff and then goes into the bathroom with her scale and vomits. She is in therapy (group and individual for the BPD) and she really likes her psychiatrist. He is aware of the eating disorder and has sent her for blood-work to see whats up. Her potassium levels are low and biliburin is high, but nothing to be hospitalized for. He is trying to get her to go to an eating disorder group when she is done with the BPD therapy (it finishes in 3 weeks, as here they like to try them out for 2 months on their own no BPD therapy to see how they fair out). I find that with the BPD she has come a long way, but still has a way to go. I am aware that eating disorders are not uncommon  with BPD. Any advice suggestions would be great, as I am losing my mind over this afraid she will do serious harm to her body or worse. I dont know how to deal with this one at all.

Our objective is to better understand the struggles our child faces and to learn the skills to improve our relationship and provide a supportive environment and also improve on our own emotional responses, attitudes and effectiveness as a family leaders

[BioAdoptMom3]

Our DD14 has had lengthy episodes of bulimia as well.  When it was at its worst her psych upped her Prozac to 40 mg. and that seemed to help.  Is your DD on any kind of medication?  Like your DD, she also was, and still is, in therapy.  It is good that she is in therapy and her therapist is aware of what is going on. I would strongly encourage her to join that eating disorders group!  I know this is a very worrisome experience!    to you!

[mary93]

thanks Bioadopt for your response. My daughter is not on any medication as they try and not do meds here for BPD (Canada). Did the bulimia with your daughter last long and is she over it now ?

[BioAdoptMom3]

It was at its worst for a little over a year.  Every once in awhile, probably when she feels out of control over something, she will relapse, but it doesn't usually last long.  The Prozac really did seem to help her.  Good luck and keep us updated with how things are going!

[Pizzas123]

Hi Mary,

My daughter has struggled with eating issues for years.  It started with anorexia, and now it it is binging and purging - bulimia.  I have heard Prozac can really have a positive effect on this problem.  My daughter is pregnant now (UGH) so I really believe she is trying to control this, and also she cannot be on a medication like Prozac. 

It's funny, my daughters honeymoon phases always seem to last about 6 months, too. 

Getting help is so important.  I think it ultimately did help my daughter, although if there is stress she always seems to return to the eating disorder, and I think that's typical.  Sorry I'm not very helpful, just wanted you to know there is someone here who has had the same struggle and sympathizes with what you are dealing with.  Hang in there!

[jellibeans]

Dear Mary93

My dd16 has had eating issues on and off for the pass couple of years. I do not focus on them and I try not to comment on her eating habits. She rarely eats with us and tends to eat out often. I have told her P about it and he is keeping watch... . he weighs her at every visit. I do think a group might be good for your dd... . unfortunately my dd picked up her eating disorder at her group and that is because she like to mirror the people she is with... . the weight things it just a phase she cycles through and then she of off to the next poor coping skill... . I wish I had some advise for you... . I do think it is a way for your dd to have control over something so maybe now that she is home with you it is a behavior she will slow stop once she is comfortable again at home.