Bulimia Nervosa

Binge eating

hallmark of bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder

Compensatory behaviors

designed to "make up for" binge eating

Most common purging method

Self-induced vomiting

Overview: Eating excess amounts of food in

a discrete period of time

Overview: Eating is perceived as

uncontrollable

Overview: May be associated with

guilt, shame, or regret

Overview: May hide behavior from

family members

Overview: Foods consumed are often

high in sugar, fat, or carbohydrates

Most common compensatory behavior:

purging

Purging may also include

use of diuretics or laxatives

Compensatory behaviors: Excessive

exercise

Compensatory behaviors: Fasting or

food restriction

Diagnostic Criteria: Recurrent episodes of

binge eating

Diagnostic Criteria: Recurrent inappropriate

compensatory behavior in order to prevent weight gain

Diagnostic Criteria: The binge eating and inappropriate compensatory behaviors both

occur on average at least once a week for 3 months

Diagnostic Criteria: Self-evaluation is

unduly influenced by body shape and weight

Diagnostic Criteria: Disturbance does not occur

exclusively during anorexia

Associated medical features: Most are within

10% of normal body weight

Associated medical features: Purging methods can result in

severe medical problems

Medical problems from purging:

Kidney failure, cardiac arrhythmia, seizures, intestinal problems, permanent colon damage

Erosion of dental enamel. electrolyte imbalance

Associated psychological features: Most are

overly concerned with body shape

Associated psychological features: Fear of

gaining weight

Associated psychological features: Most have

comorbid psychological disorders

Associated psychological features: Comorbidity: 20% meet criteria for

a mood disorder

Associated psychological features: Comorbidity: 50 to 70% have met criteria for

a mood disorder at some point

Associated psychological features: Comorbidity: 80% have met criteria for

an anxiety disorder at some point

Associated psychological features: Comorbidity: Nearly two in five people

abuse substances