Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia Nervosa is an eating disorder with two components: binge eating and compensatory behavior. A binge episode is defined as overeating, i.e., consuming an amount of food (calories) that is substantially more than would be consumed by most people, which occurs over two hours. Compensatory behaviors are efforts to prevent the excessive calories from resulting in weight gain. These can include purging behaviors such as vomiting (e.g., “gagging” oneself with a finger) or using laxatives, diuretics, or enemas. Nonpurging behaviors include fasting or excessive exercise. Bulimia nervosa is very dangerous and can result in electrolyte imbalances and other medical issues influenced by the type of compensatory behaviors. It should be treated by a professional with eating disorder expertise.
Clinical Diagnoses
The American Psychiatric Association classifies Bulimia Nervosa as an Eating Disorder on Axis I of the DSM-IV-TR. Symptoms must include:
- Binge eating
- Perceived loss of control over eating
- Compensatory behavior aimed at preventing weight gain
- Binges and compensatory behaviors cycle occurs at least two times per week for at least three months
the individual overvalues his/her appearance according to weight/body composition - The prior five symptoms cannot occur only during episodes of Anorexia Nervosa
Two types of Bulimia exist:
Purging Type
Nonpurging Type
Bulimia Nervosa Causes & Characteristics
Ninety percent of Bulimics are female. The majority of bulimics are white and the condition is more common in Western countries. This leads many experts to conclude that the cause is primarily learned, given its cultural variability. Many Bulimics struggle with their weight and frequently diet. Approximately 2% of women and 0.2% of men in America will suffer from Bulimia Nervosa during their lifetime.
Bulimia Nervosa Treatment
Treatment should always be determined by a professional (e.g., licensed psychologist, psychiatrist, licensed social worker, or licensed mental health counselor). Fortunately, this disorder has been successfully treated by cognitive behavioral therapies.
