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What Are Eating Disorders? | Anorexia Nervosa | Bulimia Nervosa | Binge Eating Disorder
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia Nervosa presents as episodes of binge eating, followed by compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, and/or the use or abuse of laxatives, enemas, diuretics or exercise. Body weight is usually within normal range.
Diagnostic criteria for Bulimia Nervosa are based on the following symptoms:
- Repeated episodes of binge eating in which an excessive amount of food is consumed during a relatively short period of time, accompanied by a sense of urgency or lack of control and often resulting in an uncomfortable level of fullness
- Repeated use of compensatory behaviors following a binge such as self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, diuretics or enemas, excessive exercising or fasting
- Episodes of bingeing followed by inappropriate compensatory behaviors occur at least two times per week for a three-month period to meet full criteria of Bulimia Nervosa
- Preoccupation with body weight or shape and overemphasis on weight/shape as defining features of oneself
There are two sub-types of Bulimia Nervosa:
- Purge Type: Engages in behaviors such as self-induced vomiting and/or misuse of laxatives, diuretics or enemas
- Non-purge Type: Engages in behaviors such as excessive exercise or fasting but does not induce vomiting or misuse laxatives, diuretics or enemas
Checklist for visible characteristics of Bulimia Nervosa
Behavioral Signs
- Bingeing
- Secretive eating, evidenced by missing food
- Preoccupation with and constant talk about food and/or weight
- The avoidance of restaurants, planned meals, or social events if food is present
- Self-disparagement when too much has been eaten
- Bathroom visits after meals
- Vomiting, laxative abuse, or fasting
- The use of diet pills
- Rigid and harsh exercise regimes
- Fear of being fat, regardless of weight
Physiological and Emotional Signs
- Swollen glands, puffiness in the cheeks, or broken blood vessels under the eyes
- Complaints of sore throats
- Complaints of fatigue and muscle ache
- Unexplained tooth decay
- Frequent weight fluctuations, often within a 10- to 15-pound range
- Attitude Shifts
- Mood shifts that include depression, sadness, guilt, and self-hate
- Severe self-criticism
- The need for approval to feel good about herself
- Self-worth determined by weight