What is the primary effect of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) when used for bulimia patients?

The primary effect of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) in patients with bulimia nervosa is mood elevation. SSRIs work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which can help alleviate depressive symptoms and anxiety that often accompany eating disorders. By improving mood, SSRIs can support patients in managing their bulimia symptoms more effectively, leading to reductions in binge eating and purging behaviors.

While the other options may represent potential benefits associated with SSRIs, they are not the primary focus of treatment for bulimia. Weight loss is not a therapeutic aim of SSRIs; instead, the goal is to stabilize eating behaviors and improve mental health. Satiety enhancement is not a direct effect of SSRIs, as their primary function relates to mood stabilization rather than directly influencing hunger cues. Similarly, while improved sleep may occur as a secondary effect of better mood regulation, it is not the main purpose of prescribing SSRIs in this context. Thus, the elevation of mood is crucial in helping patients develop healthier coping mechanisms and ultimately facilitates recovery from the disorder.