Definition:
Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder where the main feature is binge eating followed by unhealthy behaviors to compensate for such binge eating in order to prevent weight gain (e.g., purging). According to the 4th Edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, to be diagnosed with bulimia nervosa, one needs to meet the following criteria:
- Reoccurring binge eating episodes that are characterized by eating in a two-hour period a larger amount of food than most people would eat, and feeling a lack of control over eating during the binge.
- Engaging in unhealthy compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting, laxative use, fasting, or excessive exercise.
- The binge eating and compensatory behaviors occur frequently (at least twice a week for three months or more).
- Self-image is largely determined or influenced by body shape and/or weight.
- The binge eating does not occur during an episode of anorexia nervosa.
In addition to the above criteria, the DSM-IV identifies two types of bulimia nervosa. The first is called the purging type. In this type, a person regularly engages in some type of purging method. In the non-purging type, a person uses other compensatory behaviors, such as fasting or excessive exercise.
Also Known As: Bulimia
