DylanLewis
Est. Contributor
- Messages
- 294
- Role
- Little
Parallel between the ABDL Binge & Purge Cycle and a Biploar II Hypomanic Episode
In my previous post I made the point that the ABDL's binge and purge cycle is not to be taken lightly - that it is a pointer to some of the complexity of the psychology of being ABDL.
The term binge and purge is taken from the disorder Bulimia Nervosa. But, at its most severe, the ABDL's binge and purge is something of a cross between that of the bulimic and a Bipolar II hypomanic episode. Let me explain the latter point.
The binge is associated with a mania-like level of energy and preoccupation. It produces a feeling of euphoria, followed generally a few days later by a feeling of deep self loathing. This can only be assuaged by purging. The actions involved in purging are compulsive and also involve a mania-like level of energy and preoccupation. The purge produces a euphoria at being ‘cleansed’ of something bad which lasts for a while before tailing off. The cycle is emotionally wrenching and exhausting.
The ABDL's binge and purge and a Bipolar II hypomanic episode manifest with similar frequencies, although the duration is different. Wikipedia states –
“Most people who meet criteria for bipolar disorder experience a number of episodes, on average 0.4 to 0.7 per year, lasting three to six months.” [Wikipedia article Bipolar Disorder]
On average that would mean an episode every two to two-and-a-half years. Data from the 2011 Zamboni survey indicates that the greater majority of ABDLs experience binge and purge cycles. They occur on average every two-and-a-half years for males, and two years for females, or every 18 months for those who have experienced prolonged periods of distress in relation to being ABDL. However the duration of the phenomena appears to be different. For ABDLs the interval between a binge and the succeeding purge is usually not long, most likely days at most, which is closer to the interval for a person with bulimia than Bipolar Disorder, and the euphoric effect may last days and tail off in weeks.
The DSM defines a hypomanic episode as follows –
A. A distinct period of elevated, expansive, or irritable mood, lasting throughout at least four days, that is clearly different from the usual nondepressed mood.
B. During the period of mood disturbance, three (or more) of the following symptoms have persisted (four if the mood is only irritable) and have been present to a significant degree.
D. The disturbance in mood and the change in functioning are observable by others.
E. The episode is not severe enough to cause marked impairment in social or occupational functioning, or to necessitate hospitalization, and there are no psychotic features [hallucinations or failed reality testing]. [DSM-IVTR p368]
An ABDL’s binge and purge is likely to meet all of the above criteria, except only (D) – the disturbance in mood and change in functioning are observable by others. In this respect an ABDL’s binge and purge behavior is more like that of a person with bulimia nervosa.
The DSM states –
“Individuals with Bulimia Nervosa are typically ashamed of their eating problems and attempt to conceal their symptoms. Binge eating usually occurs in secrecy, or as inconspicuously as possible.” [DSM-IVTR p590]. The DSM does not specify, but purges are also likely to be undertaken secretly.
Like bulimics, ABDLs in the midst of a binge and purge cycle are likely to be deeply ashamed of their motivations and behaviours, and secretive in their behaviours.
Thus ABDL’s binge and purge cycles replicate many aspects of hypomanic episodes, but do not meet the definition. The difference lies in the fact that those experiencing hypomania are either unaware of, or unconcerned, that their mood state is observable by others. By contrast ABDLs’ are aware of the potential for adverse perceptions by others and commonly successful in concealing the changes in their personality. That distinction is important and suggests that the two phenomena may differ in their basic nature. Nevertheless, the close parallel with hypomanic episodes does indicate that ABDL's binge and purge cycles are serious psychological disturbances, and an important diagnostic indicator.
Regards. Dylan.
In my previous post I made the point that the ABDL's binge and purge cycle is not to be taken lightly - that it is a pointer to some of the complexity of the psychology of being ABDL.
The term binge and purge is taken from the disorder Bulimia Nervosa. But, at its most severe, the ABDL's binge and purge is something of a cross between that of the bulimic and a Bipolar II hypomanic episode. Let me explain the latter point.
The binge is associated with a mania-like level of energy and preoccupation. It produces a feeling of euphoria, followed generally a few days later by a feeling of deep self loathing. This can only be assuaged by purging. The actions involved in purging are compulsive and also involve a mania-like level of energy and preoccupation. The purge produces a euphoria at being ‘cleansed’ of something bad which lasts for a while before tailing off. The cycle is emotionally wrenching and exhausting.
The ABDL's binge and purge and a Bipolar II hypomanic episode manifest with similar frequencies, although the duration is different. Wikipedia states –
“Most people who meet criteria for bipolar disorder experience a number of episodes, on average 0.4 to 0.7 per year, lasting three to six months.” [Wikipedia article Bipolar Disorder]
On average that would mean an episode every two to two-and-a-half years. Data from the 2011 Zamboni survey indicates that the greater majority of ABDLs experience binge and purge cycles. They occur on average every two-and-a-half years for males, and two years for females, or every 18 months for those who have experienced prolonged periods of distress in relation to being ABDL. However the duration of the phenomena appears to be different. For ABDLs the interval between a binge and the succeeding purge is usually not long, most likely days at most, which is closer to the interval for a person with bulimia than Bipolar Disorder, and the euphoric effect may last days and tail off in weeks.
The DSM defines a hypomanic episode as follows –
A. A distinct period of elevated, expansive, or irritable mood, lasting throughout at least four days, that is clearly different from the usual nondepressed mood.
B. During the period of mood disturbance, three (or more) of the following symptoms have persisted (four if the mood is only irritable) and have been present to a significant degree.
- (1) Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity;
- (2) Decreased need for sleep (eg. feels rested after only 3 hours of sleep);
- (3) More talkative than usual or pressure to keep talking;
- (4) Flight of ideas or subjective experience that thoughts are racing;
- (5) Distractibility (ie. attention too easily drawn to unimportant or irrelevant external stimuli);
- (6) Increase in goal-directed activity (either socially, at work or school, or sexually, or psychomotor agitation);
- (7) Excessive involvement in pleasurable activities that have a high potential for painful consequences [other sources cite hypersexuality in this context.]
D. The disturbance in mood and the change in functioning are observable by others.
E. The episode is not severe enough to cause marked impairment in social or occupational functioning, or to necessitate hospitalization, and there are no psychotic features [hallucinations or failed reality testing]. [DSM-IVTR p368]
An ABDL’s binge and purge is likely to meet all of the above criteria, except only (D) – the disturbance in mood and change in functioning are observable by others. In this respect an ABDL’s binge and purge behavior is more like that of a person with bulimia nervosa.
The DSM states –
“Individuals with Bulimia Nervosa are typically ashamed of their eating problems and attempt to conceal their symptoms. Binge eating usually occurs in secrecy, or as inconspicuously as possible.” [DSM-IVTR p590]. The DSM does not specify, but purges are also likely to be undertaken secretly.
Like bulimics, ABDLs in the midst of a binge and purge cycle are likely to be deeply ashamed of their motivations and behaviours, and secretive in their behaviours.
Thus ABDL’s binge and purge cycles replicate many aspects of hypomanic episodes, but do not meet the definition. The difference lies in the fact that those experiencing hypomania are either unaware of, or unconcerned, that their mood state is observable by others. By contrast ABDLs’ are aware of the potential for adverse perceptions by others and commonly successful in concealing the changes in their personality. That distinction is important and suggests that the two phenomena may differ in their basic nature. Nevertheless, the close parallel with hypomanic episodes does indicate that ABDL's binge and purge cycles are serious psychological disturbances, and an important diagnostic indicator.
Regards. Dylan.
Last edited: